News
Free Sack Lunch Program
Summer is here and so are FREE sack lunches for kids!
Swing by Trinity every Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — no need to sign up, just stop in, say hi, and grab a lunch to go!
Whether you’re headed to the park, the pool, or just chilling at home, we’ve got lunch covered.
You'll find the lunch station on Main Street at the southwest entrance to Trinity, right by the big "Got Lunch?" sign! We'll be serving meals outside unless the weather doesn't cooperate and then we'll be right inside the door. See you soon!
Donations
We are very grateful for donations that we have received that are making this program possible. We are excited to feed kids this summer! Would you like to donate to this program? Checks can be made out to Trinity, write “sack lunches” in the memo line.
Volunteers
Volunteers are also needed to help prepare and serve the meals. Would you like to help? Prep begins about 10:30 a.m. and meals are served from 11:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m. If you can volunteer to help a day or two, that would be very appreciated! Contact Mary Zaffke, 507-273-3384 or Karen Bingham, 507-226-4238. The program will run all summer.
Trinity Day at the Ballpark!
Special Congregational Meeting
THANK YOU to all who attended Sunday’s meeting. A unanimous vote of 93 yes and 0 no was cast to call Pastor Mark Abelsen to be the next lead pastor at Trinity. We are excited to welcome him to Trinity! Watch for more details as to when he will begin in July.
A Congregational Meeting has been called for Sunday, June 15 at 10:30 a.m. following worship. The purpose of this meeting is to vote to call a new pastor. This is exciting news!
Our Call Committee has conducted several interviews of potential candidates and is ready to present their choice. They will have information about this candidate that they will share at this meeting including the candidate’s educational background, work history, etc.
Please plan to attend the meeting. If you cannot attend in person, you may join via Zoom. See Zoom link below.
Thank you for your active participation at Trinity. We are looking forward to calling a new pastor.
Kim Kapplinger
Trinity Lutheran Congregation President
JOIN ZOOM MEETING
via web: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84789738061
via phone: 1-312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 847 8973 8061
** You will need to have your video on when joining via the web so that we verify who you are. Likewise, if you call on the phone we will need to verify who you are. When it comes time to vote, please be patient and wait for the host to ask each Zoom participant how they vote. Thank you!
Scholarship Deadline
Post-secondary scholarship deadline: May 30
Through the Scholarship Endowment fund which was established in 1995, Trinity members may apply for up to four years of funding for post-secondary education. Applicants can receive a form by contacting the church office or by using the printable application form (click here for form). Applications are due at the church office no later than 4:00 p.m. on May 30, 2025.
Family Bible School
COME TRAVEL THE WORLD WITH US DURING BIBLE SCHOOL
FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!
Tuesday, May 27 - Friday, May 30 | 5-7PM
Bible School this year is for ALL AGES!
The theme is “At the Table." It is from a story in Luke when the resurrected Jesus appears to two followers traveling to the town of Emmaus. They don't recognize Jesus at first. They share a meal together around a table, showing openness to each other. Jesus breaks bread with them and that is when the two followers recognize him.
This story shows the important relationships that take place around the table...telling of stories, beliefs, and hopes. This program is written by Lutheran World Hunger to help teach families intergenerational connections that strengthen community.
We will examine four stories of youth from different countries. We will begin the evening eating together (especially the breads from the different countries) and learning about these countries. There will also be crafts and games.
All ages — young to old — are invited! It’s free to attend!
Call the church office to register, 507-498-5291. Or send us an email, trinityspringgrove@gmail.com
Community Baccalaureate Service
Syttende Mai Worship & Meatball Dinner
On Sunday, May 18 our worship service (9:15 a.m.) will celebrate our Norwegian roots and honor our ancestors. Come to worship in your traditional bunad attire!
Following worship, grab a delicious Meatball Dinner and enjoy a meal in the park or at home.
Time: 10:30 a.m. until sold out.
Cost: $15
Meal: meatballs in gravy, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, dinner roll, lefse, rommegrot, dessert
Carry-outs only
Senior Recognition Sunday
Date: Sunday, May 11
Worship: 9:15 a.m. with a special blessing of our graduating seniors
Fellowship: 10:15 a.m., a special reception for our graduating seniors
Join us to bless our graduating seniors and wish them the best as they begin a new journey. Parents will wrap their seniors in a blanket/quilt that they can take with them on their journeys remembering this special blessing with their Trinity family.
Pastoral Candidate Nomination
Open Call from Within:
An update and invitation from the Trinity Call Committee
The Trinity Lutheran Church Call Committee met on Sunday evening, March 9 with Pastor Barb Streed, Assistant to the Bishop of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod. The Call Committee is comprised of the following volunteer members: Sara Kroshus, Lara Mendez, Janna Myrah, Rachel Storlie, Hope Turner, and Josh Wiste. Also present were alternates Lorilyn Dehning and Gary Wilhelmson.
During the gathering, the Call Committee was introduced to Synod protocols for the process of vetting, interviewing, and ultimately calling a future pastor. Committee members were encouraged to stay open-minded with a discerning spirit and true teamwork heart. Pastor Streed also facilitated a self-identifying leadership discussion in order to reveal Co-Chairpersons Janna Myrah and Rachel Storlie.
Your input is needed!
One of the three different methods for an ELCA church to receive candidates for a pastoral call interview is “nominations from within the congregation.” Do you know of a wonderful pastor who serves elsewhere, but may feel compelled to serve our congregation?
Ideal candidates are:
a) Rostered Pastors of the ELCA
b) NOT in the first 3 years of a current call elsewhere
c) NOT affiliated with Trinity Lutheran Church as a former employee or congregant.
If there is information you’d like to share with our Call Committee regarding ideal pastoral candidates for our congregation, please use our printed form in person (available in the office), or click on the link below to fill out an online form. Please submit their name and other helpful information to the church office by Sunday, March 30.
Thank you for continuing to uplift and trust in our Call Committee as we navigate the upcoming process, assisted by our Synod liaison Pastor Barb Streed. Your support and prayers for us are greatly appreciated as we seek out the best possible candidates for the future of our ministry.
Click HERE for an online form
Jubilee Worship
Come and worship at Trinity
at our new Jubilee Worship service!
What is our Jubilee Worship Service? Our youth will be sharing songs, reading scripture, helping with communion, and more! Families, grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, friends….everyone is invited to come explore this new service with us. We’re excited!
When? The second Sunday of each month at 9:15 a.m.
After worship, stay for treats in the Fellowship Hall and youth (ages preK-5th grade) can attend Sunday School.
See you soon!
All Saints Day
On All Saints Sunday we remember all those who have gone on before us. We remember and give thanks for these saints who are now in God’s eternal, loving care. We praise God for their significance in our lives — their influence, example and faith.
Join us Sunday, November 3 at 9:15 a.m. for a special worship where we will light candles in remembrance of these saints as well as in celebration of the newly baptized.
A video in remembrance of all those who have passed this last year. Blessings on all of their families and friends.
Click here to view the video.
Season of Self Study
The Transition Team invites you to participate in the process of selecting our next pastor! We are in the Season of Self Study and your input is important to us!!
Join us on Sundays, Oct. 13, Oct. 20, Nov. 10, Nov. 17, and Nov. 24 during worship to complete the Self Study worksheets. This will be done as part of the service so our Facebook and radio listeners can follow along. These worksheets will also be available on the church website.
Please watch for weekly updates from the Transition Team in the bulletin, on Facebook, through emails, and the monthly newsletter as the Self Study process continues and other events are added.
You can also reach out to any of the Transition Team Members at any time.
Transition Team - Dan Alstad, Carolyn Olson, Chelsey Sherburne, Hope Turner, Mark Udstuen, Jan Lochner (alternate)
Thank you for being a part of planning for our future at Trinity!
Week 2 Worksheet — October 20
Click here for a link to the Google form.
Click here to download a pdf of the worksheet to print and fill out.
Week 3 Worksheet — November 10
Click here for a link to the Google form.
Click here to download a pdf of the worksheet to print and fill out.
Week 4 Worksheet — November 17 — Community Audit
There is no questionnaire this week.
Click here to download a pdf of the Community Audit Report
Week 5 Worksheet — November 24
Click here for a link to the Google form.
Click here to download a pdf of the worksheet to print and fill out.
God's Work: Our Hands
Rally Sunday & Ministry Fair
Sunday, September 15 is Rally Sunday! ALL are invited to join us for fun outdoor activities! There will be games like a fishing boat where kids can fish for a surprise! and Gaga Ball and 9-square and more. There will even be treats outdoors! ALL AGES WELCOME!!!
Worship is at 9:15 and then the outdoor activities begin at 10:15.
Families with kids preschool age through 5th grade can sign up for Sunday School. You'll also learn more about the upcoming year!
Make sure to stop by the MINISTRY FAIR and sign up a time (or two!!) where you can volunteer at Trinity. Everyone has talents -- where can you share yours? Want to try a new volunteer position? SUPER!! Now's the time to try out anything you want! We LOVE our volunteers!
And grab some yummy treats while you are there! We look forward to seeing you and all the kiddos!
