Thankful Gifts Catalog

Are you looking for a gift for someone who “has everything”? Or a gift for someone who you don’t know what size they wear? Or a gift with meaning and purpose and impact? We’ve got a whole catalog of gifts ready for you to choose from. There are gifts from $3 and on up. Just the right size for anyone to give!

Click HERE to download and browse the catalog.

Click HERE for an order form.

With each order you can also choose a greeting card and an insert describing the gift that you can give to the recipient so that they know how impactful the gift is that they are receiving.

Please have orders placed by Monday, December 22. Orders can be dropped off at the office. Or brought to worship on December 14 and 21 — Look for a table display to turn in your order and pick up your card.

Poinsettias & Designated Gifts

We invite you to help us decorate the sanctuary for Christmas with a poinsettia! If you would like to have the poinsettia in honor of / memory of / celebration of a special someone, please fill out this form and turn it in to the office by Wednesday, December 17 so that we can list their name in the bulletin.

We also invite gifts designated in honor of / memory of / celebration of loved ones. Please fill out this form and turn it in to the office by Wednesday, December 17 so we can list the honorees name in the bulletin.

Thank you for thinking of Trinity during your giving this holiday season! Blessings to you!

Advent thru Epiphany Worship & Events

In Silence We Wait: Advent Midweek Prayer service

In the rush toward Christmas—the shopping lists, the parties, the endless to-dos — where do you find space to breathe? This Advent, we invite you to step out of the frenzy and into something different: Prayer Around the Cross, a contemplative service of silence, scripture, and simple song. As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, we'll wait together in the darkness for the dawn of God's mercy.

Wednesday Evenings at 7:00 pm  |  December 3, 10 & 17  |  Fellowship Hall

This is worship unhurried and uncluttered. You'll have space to breathe deeply, to bring whatever you're carrying, and to pray in your own way. Come to the cross, light a candle as a sign of Advent hope, and let the gentle repetition of sung prayer quiet your heart. There's no pressure to perform or participate in any particular way—just an invitation to wait, to listen, and to prepare room for Christ's coming. Whether you stay for the whole service or slip away early, whether you kneel at the cross or simply sit in the stillness, you are welcome here.

Advent to Epiphany Devotional

We invite you to spend a little time with us each day as you read the reflections, meditations, and poems from a variety of ages of our Trinity family and friends. This devotional will take you from the beginning of Advent all the way through Epiphany. Enjoy! And many blessings to you this holiday season!

A digital copy can be found by clicking here. Paper copies are in the office and sanctuary.

Community Meals

ALL are welcome to partake in the Community Meal. Enjoy good conversations and delicious homemade food! Invite a friend or neighbor!

Questions? Want to help in some way? Contact Pat, 507-429-4629 or Jerald, 507-500-1518.

From Pastor Mark

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December 2025

Light Dawns on a Weary World

Dear Friends in Christ,

As we enter this Advent season, I find myself humming the words of that beautiful hymn, "Long before the night was born, long before the world was made, Love Eternal, God Incarnate, light of heaven cannot fade." These words remind us that even before our weariness began, God's answer was already on the way.

If we're honest with one another, we know what it means to live in a weary world. We see it in the eyes of neighbors struggling to make ends meet, in families navigating difficult diagnoses, in young people anxious about the future, and in our own mirrors on those mornings when we wonder if we have what it takes to face another day. The prophet Isaiah knew this weariness too when he wrote to a people in exile, far from home, wondering if God had forgotten them.

But then comes the promise that changes everything: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined" (Isaiah 9:2).

This Advent, our theme "A Weary World Rejoices" isn't about pretending away our exhaustion or plastering on false cheer. Rather, it's about daring to believe that our weariness is not the end of the story. Into our fatigue, God speaks the same word spoken to shepherds keeping watch by night: "Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people" (Luke 2:10).

The light that dawns in this season is not a distant, cold star. It is Emmanuel—God with us—wrapped in swaddling clothes, crying in a manger, entering fully into our weary world. Jesus didn't come to scold us for being tired. He came because He saw us "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" (Matthew 9:36), and His heart broke with compassion.

Throughout this Advent season at Trinity, we'll be exploring what it means to find hope when the world feels heavy. We'll light our candles and sing our carols, yes, but we'll also create space to be honest about where we're struggling. Because that's where Jesus meets us—not in our pretense of having it all together, but in our authentic need.

Jesus Himself knew weariness. He fell asleep in boats during storms. He sought out quiet places to pray. He wept at the death of His friend Lazarus. And on the cross, He took upon Himself all the weight of our weary world—every burden, every sorrow, every sin—so that we might finally rest.

"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest," Jesus invites us in Matthew 11:28. This is not just a nice sentiment; it is the very heart of Christmas. God saw that we could not carry it all anymore, so He carried it for us.

As we prepare our homes and hearts this season, I encourage you to be gentle with yourself. You don't have to do it all. You don't have to be all things to all people. The world is weary, yes—but a weary world rejoices because the light has come, and the light is enough.

This December, may we be people who bear witness to this light in small, faithful ways: a kind word to a cashier who looks exhausted, a meal for a family going through hard times, a listening ear for someone who needs to be heard, or simply the gift of our presence at worship, bringing our whole selves—weariness and all—before the God who receives us with love.

The night may be long, beloved, but light is dawning. The Savior is coming. And our weary world will rejoice.

In the hope of Advent,
Pastor Mark

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it." John 1:5

November 2025

A Season of Gratitude

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." - Psalm 107:1

As we enter this season of thanksgiving, my heart overflows with gratitude to God for the incredible gift of this call to Trinity Lutheran. Three months ago, I stood before you with a mixture of excitement and holy anticipation, wondering what God had in store for us. Today, I can say with profound joy and thanksgiving: this feels like home.

There's something remarkable that happens when the Holy Spirit brings a pastor and congregation together. It's not simply a matter of matching résumés or filling a position. It's a divine appointment, a sacred joining of hearts and purpose. In these first three months, I've experienced that truth in countless ways—in your warm welcomes, in our shared worship, in conversations over coffee, and in the everyday rhythms of ministry we're building together.

The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I find myself returning to these words often, recognizing that gratitude isn't just appropriate for the easy moments, but is woven into the very fabric of our life together in Christ. I'm thankful not only for the joys we've already shared, but for the challenges we'll face together, knowing that God has brought us together for such a time as this.

When I think about what "home" means, I think of belonging, of being known and loved, of shared purpose
and mutual care. In these months, you've shown me what it means to be the body of Christ—welcoming, compassionate, faithful, and ready to follow where the Spirit leads. You've made room for me and my family, not just in the parsonage, but in your hearts and lives.

I'm convinced that the Holy Spirit has indeed brought us together for a purpose that extends beyond what any of us can fully see right now. There's kingdom work to be done, neighbors to love, faith to nurture, and hope to share. As we move forward together, I'm grateful that we don't do this work in our own strength, but in the power of the Spirit who has united us.

This November, as we gather around tables laden with blessings and count our many gifts, I want you to know: you are among the things I thank God for most. Thank you for answering God's call to this place, for your faithfulness through seasons of transition, and for embracing this new chapter with open hearts.

May we continue to be a people marked by gratitude, united by the Spirit, and sent forth in love.

In Christ's service and with deep thanksgiving,
~Pastor Mark

 

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October 2025

What Is the Church For? A Journey into Mercy
What is the church? What is it for? These aren't just theological questions for seminary students or church councils—they're questions that touch the heart of why we gather each Sunday here at Trinity Lutheran, why we serve our neighbors, and how we understand our calling as followers of Christ.

When we ask people to define the church, they often say it's "a group of people" or they point to our beautiful building. But I've been wondering lately if the church is actually none of those things—at least not primarily.

Think about it: in all of Jesus' preaching and teaching in the Scriptures, he doesn't conclude by telling his followers to go build churches. Instead, he sends them out to share good news. The church, it seems, is not primarily about gathering people into buildings or even forming religious communities—it's about movement, about mission, about carrying mercy and good news out into the world.

This challenges some of my most fundamental assumptions about what we 'go to church' for or how we think about our purpose as a congregation in Spring Grove.

The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus: A Mirror for the Church
In Luke 16, Jesus shares the story of a wealthy man who lives a life of luxury while a poor man named Lazarus lies at his gate hoping for scraps from the rich man's table. This isn't just a tale about economic inequality—it's a lesson about mercy, about noticing others, and about what happens when we fail to recognize the sacred dignity of those right in front of us.

What strikes me most about this parable is that the rich man knew Lazarus by name. Even after death, when he calls out to Abraham from his place of torment, he asks Abraham to "send Lazarus" to help him. This wasn't a case of simple ignorance or oversight. The rich man saw Lazarus daily, passed by him regularly, knew him personally—and yet still treated him as invisible, as less than human.

I believe Jesus is calling us, the church, to be something fundamentally different. We are called to be a community that truly sees and recognizes the image of God in every person, especially those whom society casts aside.

Mercy as the Church's DNA
The word "mercy" can sometimes feel abstract or overly sentimental, but in the context of this parable, it becomes something much more tangible and challenging. Mercy isn't just feeling sorry for someone—it's about seeing the image of God in every person, especially those whom society has marginalized.

The parable criticizes not only the rich man's failure to share resources, but also his sense of entitlement and presumption. His sin wasn't just economic; it was relational. He failed to extend basic human dignity and respect. He failed to see Lazarus as an equal, as a child of God called to live in community.

Trinity, I believe we are called to be a community rooted in mercy—not just through individual acts of charity, but as a fundamental orientation toward seeing and honoring the dignity of every person. And so I wonder…
• Who are the "Lazaruses" at our gate—the neighbors we see regularly, but perhaps don't truly see?
• How might our understanding of mercy shape not just our individual faith, but our life together as a congregation?
• What would it mean for Trinity Lutheran to embody mercy as our defining characteristic?

These are big questions without easy answers. But I believe they're the right questions for us to ask as we try to understand our calling as church.

What does it mean to be a church that truly sees? How does embodying mercy become our core way of engaging with the world? How can we go beyond the comfort of our building and familiar community to share good news with those who need it most?

I don't have all the answers, but I'm convinced that wrestling with these questions together is part of what it means to be church.

Because the church isn't ultimately about buildings, programs, or even gathering together, as important as those things are for our life together. The church is about God's mercy and love moving into the world, carried by ordinary people like us who dare to see with God's eyes and love with God's heart.   
~ Pastor Mark  

EMPTY BOWLS MEAL

EMPTY BOWLS MEAL | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2

Prepare your bellies for delicious homemade soups and breads on Sunday, November 2 at the Outreach Team’s Empty Bowls meal fundraiser. The meal will begin following worship and will wrap up about 12:30 p.m. Cost is freewill donation with proceeds going to Trinity’s Little Free Pantry and the Houston County Food Shelf.

Would you like to volunteer to make a favorite soup or bread? Please contact Jan Kraabel, kraabelcj@outlook.com or 507-498-5687 or Pat Oakes, jpoakes1@hotmail.com or 507-429-4929.

Let's introduce ourselves!

Let’s help Pastor Mark get to know his Trinity Family!

Print this form, fill it out and drop it off at the office or in the offering plate on a Sunday.

Or copy and paste the questions below into an email, answer them, and send them on their way!

It would be great if you could attach a photo (even one printed from your computer) so he can put names to all the beautiful faces! Don’t have a printer? Email us (trinityspringgrove@gmail.com) the photo and we can print and attach it.

Here are the questions you can copy and paste into an email:

My name is:

My family members are (names and ages):

Our family pets are (type, names):

Some of our favorite things to do as a family are:

If you came to our house for a get together, you would likely be served:

And you would most likely hear this type of music:

For a living, I do this:

I have no schedule, I’m retired!! But before that, I did this:

I’ve been a member at Trinity for:

Here’s how I like to be involved at Trinity:

One of my favorite hymns is:

I grew up in:

A little known or fun fact about me or my family is:

Welcome Pr. Mark Abelsen

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WELCOME TO OUR NEW PASTOR, MARK ABELSEN!

We asked Pastor Mark some light-hearted questions to begin to get to know him.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Duluth, MN

Q: Where did you go to college and seminary?
A: Augsburg College and Luther Seminary

Q: Do you play any instruments?
A: I’ve played piano since I was six years old and it was my major in college.

Q: Do you have any pets?
A: I have a dog named Hector. He is a Great Dane mix and looks a lot like Scooby-Doo!

Q: What is a favorite food? 
A: I love soup!

Q: Do you have a favorite movie?
A: My Favorite movie is “West Side Story” – the original, but I also love the remake. Also, “White Christmas” and I love Hitchcock films and James Bond.

Q: On a warm summer day that you aren't working, what would we find you doing?
A: Golfing, Biking, Hiking (and a nap)

Q: On a cold winter day that you aren't working, what would we find you doing?
A: Movies and reading a book! (and a nap)

Q: Any other favorite pastimes? 
A: I love to cook and bake. I love to travel and experience other cultures. I love musical theatre.

Q: Are you familiar with Norwegian food?  
A: I am very familiar – I am 50% Norwegian on my father’s side. My grandmother made all the traditional cookies at Christmas time (which I will not try to spell). My grandpa would eat lutefisk every Christmas

Q: Do you have children?
A: I have three AMAZING kids – James (25), Sam (18), Eleanor (14)

Q: Have you spent much time in Southeast Minnesota? If not, is there something/ somewhere that you are interested in exploring?
A: I am completely new to the area other than participating in the Dorian Festival at Luther when I was in high school. I hear there is a lot of wonderful biking and hiking in the area, which I love to do. I’ve also heard that fly fishing is big and would love to do that some time. And I hope to find a golf course. 

Q: Do you have a favorite travel destination?
A: I have a bucket list of places overseas I would love to go, but closer to home, I love the North Shore (Grand Marais) and visiting State Parks.

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.

Community Baccalaureate Service

All graduating seniors and families are invited to the Community Baccalaureate Service on Wednesday, May 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Trinity. Pastors from the area churches will lead the service.

The bulletin may be found here along with the insert.

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!

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Week 1 Worksheet — October 13
Click here for a link to the Google form.
Click here to download a pdf of the worksheet to print and fill out.

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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.

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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!

Blessing of Backpacks & Workbags

Blessing of the Animals

Become a mentor

A mentor is usually someone who is older, more experienced, patient, understanding, etc. than the person they are mentoring. Trinity has used mentors in our confirmation program for many years. They are people who come and sit with the students through confirmation class and then talk about the lessons with the students in their group.

Mentors don’t need to know the answers or be Biblical scholars. We will have mentor huddles to discuss ways to be more effective, any issues or problems, as well as ways to teach confirmation more effectively. 

We have two mentor slots to fill for confirmation this fall. We also need people to step forward to help teach Sunday School or Wednesday School. All that is needed is a desire to help fulfill the commitment Trinity makes to young people. We commit to teach faith and the Bible to our young people in their Baptism. Please consider doing this valuable work and become a mentor or teacher.

If you’re interested or have questions, please contact Pastor Lane, cyf.trinitysg@gmail.com, or 507-498-5291.

Special Sundays in August

During worship on Sundays in August we will have some special blessings.

August 11
Blessing of the Animals (especially those going to the fair)  
Bring your pets or fair animals to outdoor worship and they will receive a special blessing! Please make sure the animals are safely contained as needed.

August 18
Blessing of School Sports
Bring your sports uniforms or workout clothes/shoes from any sport to worship for a special blessing.

 

August 25
Blessing of Backpacks & Workbags
Everyone is invited to bring their backpack or workbag to receive a special blessing for the year ahead. Plus you can get a backpack/workbag tag to remind you of this special day!