OUR VISION FOR MISSION

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1 MINISTRY SITE PROFILE Trinity Lutheran Church Albert Lea, MN Completed: The Ministry Site Profile (MSP) is intended for use by congregations and church-related organizations that are seeking to call an ordained or layrostered minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, or a First Call candidate for rostered ministry. Congregations must complete theentire MSP. Church-related organizations may, with the concurrence of the synod bishop, complete only the required sections (Part I, III and IV). Once complete, this form is submitted electronically to your synod bishop for review and posting to the Current Openings listing on the ELCA website ( Summary Description Trinity Lutheran is praying for a pastor that will inspire, lead, and grow our church in Albert Lea, MN. We will partner with our new pastor to deepen our spiritual awareness and increase our active membership. Our congregation realizes that each generation views the church of today from different perspectives. Therefore, we need an effective communicator, visionary, and caring person to guide us into Trinity's future. OUR VISION FOR MISSION Trends in the Community Context of the Congregation or Organization Characteristics: Write a description of your community in terms of socio-economic status, demographics, primary areas of employment and lifestyle. The Demographic ZIP Code report for your primary ZIP codes may be helpful. Trinity Lutheran Church is located in the "Land Between the Lakes", Albert Lea, Minnesota. We are also at the crossroads of Interstate Highways 90 and 35 in south central MN. The "Twin Cities" of Minneapolis and St. Paul are 90 minutes to our north. Rochester, home of the Mayo Clinic, is 60 minutes to our east. The major employers in our city of 18,000 are the hospital and long term care facilities, public schools and technical college, and various food processing and industrial manufacturing companies. Albert Lea has numerous cultural and civic organizations, many of which utilize the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. Helmer Myre State Park and over 15 lakes in Freeborn County offer many recreational, hunting, and fishing opportunities. Albert Lea has also been designated a "Blue Zones" community. Trends: List three changes or trends within the congregation or organization which have occurred in the last three to five years. Trinity Lutheran is seeing increased participation from our younger families in worship, faith formation experiences, and church social events. We also have a growing number of elderly members moving to various forms of assisted housing. However, this mix of family units gives us the opportunity to expand our mission of inter-generational ministry. Context: List three ways that the community in which you are located has been challenged by change and transition in the last three to five years.

2 Albert Lea is becoming a more diverse community. This is seen in the local work force, public school system, and local youth groups. Our older housing base, especially rentals, has proven inadequate for younger professionals. However, this situation is being addressed by city and county officials. Community groups have undertaken two recent efforts. These are dealing with civility and the Blandin Foundation guided "Leaders Partnering to End Poverty." Programs: Describe your congregation's or organization's current programs for mission and ministry. We have a long history of supporting our church ministry and local community. Trinity's Faith Formation program includes Sunday classes for both youth and adults, confirmation, acolytes, and a shared Vacation Bible School program with 4 area churches. Church lay leaders facilitate and lead various "Faith Milestones" classes throughout the year. We also initiated an evening meal to the Wednesday night activity and worship schedule. Communion and visitation to our homebound members is provided by a dedicated group of Trinity lay members. Within Albert Lea Trinity supports the Salvation Army Food Pantry and "Angel Tree" program, Youth for Christ, Shinefest, and "Loaves and Fishes." In the broader community we support MN Adult/Teen Challenge and a number of missionary programs. Goals: What are the primary goals of your ministry site (please refer to any Strategic Plan that has been adopted). Trinity is committed to a renewed emphasis of our youth program. We have added a part time staff position and are renovating our youth room which is called "The Whole." We would also like to offer a celebration worship service in addition to our regular Sunday service. The council is also updating our personnel and policy book. In the near future we plan to set up a task force to review Trinity's constitution and by-laws, focusing on our present church council structure. Energy: What is your congregation or organization really excited about right now? We are excited to see the growing number of young families attending worship and participating in church events. Since the retirement of our former pastor, more members have offered to volunteer their time and talents wherever needed. Our sanctuary audio and visual system has just been upgraded. We are planning to record the church services for our homebound members, with possible video expansion to social media. Partnership: How does this congregation or organization see itself as a member and active participant in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the synod? Trinity Lutheran is a member of the SE MN Synod of the ELCA. Council and other church members usually attend conference, synod, and national gatherings. We give financial support to our synod, and also encourage member giving to the ELCA for world hunger/disaster relief, malaria campaign, and God's Global Barnyard. The Trinity Lutheran Church Women's group is very active in the mission of the church at large. Trinity is also fortunate to have a dedicated group of sewing ladies who make quilts and also assemble school and personal care kits for Lutheran World Relief. Purpose, Giftedness and Mission Purpose How does this congregation or organization understand its reason for being in the light of God's call to mission and service? Who are you? Why are you here?

3 This is our mission statement - We are a fellowship of believers in Christ, sustained by God's Word, led by the Holy Spirit and committed to God's vision of caring. This contains three vision perspectives A) We will be enthusiastic advocates in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ and the saving grace that is available through a relationship with Him. B) We will reach out to and welcome all people, inviting them to share in the various opportunities available through this fellowship. C) We will offer uplifting worship and study opportunities praising and thanking the Lord for what He has done for us. We recognize that this is a living document that should be reviewed periodically by the council and the pastor. Giftedness What are your gifts and resources for fulfilling this purpose? What are the congregation s or organization's top three assets and how are they being used? Are there obstacles that must be overcome to be able to use these gifts and accomplish the mission? Our top three assets are: 1) Our members a) Volunteers, teachers, vocalists, mentors, and church organizations. b) Trinity has a long tradition of helping members in need through prayer, meals, and fund raising benefits to provide financial support. 2) Atmosphere We like to think that we are a hospitable, friendly, and welcoming church to our guests. 3) Physical Structure We have a beautiful sanctuary and stained glass windows, a number of air conditioned meeting rooms, elevator equipped, and centrally located with ample on-site parking. The church is used by many outside groups. We need to be more efficient, set expectations, and be aware of how we utilize our member's time and talents. At times we may have too many activities going on. We also need to do a better job of getting to "know our neighborhood" and invite them to Trinity. Mission In light of the way you have described your ministry context in this Ministry Site Profile, what are the top three mission priorities which, if accomplished, hold the most promise for the continued development of this ministry? 1) Actively see and reflect that Christ is the focus for all that is done - share our resources, provide youth and family experiences, and use our events and activities to invite community participation, such as a jail ministry program. 2) Create a culture of spiritual growth through education for all - what it means to be a Christian and being in the Word regularly that encourages a new relationship. 3) Revise leadership function from organizational management to a team focusing on servant leadership - focusing on vision/objectives, exploring what more we can do, and guide volunteer teams to develop the means to carry out various operational functions.

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