· Howard Young · blog · 2 min read
Supply Pastor Update: Pastor Kay Returns and Bishop Strickland Visits
Pastor Kay returns as supply pastor on July 12, and Bishop Kevin Strickland of the ELCA Southeastern Synod leads worship on July 26. Please keep them in your prayers.
If you have worshipped with us more than a few Sundays, you probably already know Pastor Kay and her purple chicken — and if you have been away for a while, you will be glad to hear she is coming back.
Pastor Kay Returns on July 12
The Rev. Kathleen Yates — known and loved here as Pastor Kay — will return to Triumphant Cross as our supply pastor beginning July 12. Many of you will remember her from the years she served part-time with us after Pastor Steve’s departure. She knows this congregation, loves this community, and we are grateful she is able to step in during this season of transition.
Pastor Bob’s recent move to Michigan opened the need for additional supply coverage, and the ELCA Southeastern Synod has been working alongside us to make sure TCLC is cared for in the weeks ahead.
Bishop Kevin Strickland Visits on July 26
Mark your calendars: The Rev. Dr. Kevin L. Strickland, Bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Synod, is scheduled to visit Triumphant Cross and lead worship on July 26. Bishop Strickland was first elected to serve the Southeastern Synod in 2019 and was re-elected in May 2025 to another six-year term. Before becoming Bishop, he served in the ELCA Churchwide office as Executive for Worship — so his visit is both a pastoral and a liturgical gift to this congregation.
A bishop’s visit is a meaningful occasion — a reminder that we are not an island but part of a wider church that knows us and supports us. We look forward to welcoming him.
Praying Toward Ordination
All of this is part of a longer journey. TCLC is continuing to work with the Synod for supply pastor coverage until our TEEM candidate, Cindy Manning, is ordained. The TEEM (Theological Education for Emerging Ministries) path is designed for leaders who are already rooted in a congregation, and Cindy is walking that road on behalf of all of us.
Please keep Pastor Kay, Bishop Strickland, and Cindy Manning in your prayers — for safe travel, for faithful ministry, and for the day when this congregation has the pastoral leadership it deserves.
We are grateful for everyone who has shown up for TCLC during this time. God is at work here, even in the in-between.
