TCLC News - July 22, 2026

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

Here is a look at what’s happening at Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church this week.

A Word for This Week

I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children. Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me. For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church. Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

— 1 Corinthians 4:14-20 (NIV)

Heavenly Father, your Word through Paul reminds us that the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power, the power of your Spirit working in and through us.

As we gather this week for prayer and worship, may we move beyond words into the living witness of faith.

Bless our congregation as we welcome Bishop Kevin Strickland among us on Sunday, and give us humble hearts ready to receive what you have to say through him.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

New This Week

Two new reflections have been published on the parables from this season’s readings:

• The Parable of the Weeds: Judgment Is Not Ours to Make — Stan Graves preached on Matthew 13 last Sunday, reminding us that we are both wheat and weeds, and that the harvest belongs to God alone.
• The Parable of the Mustard Seed: How Small Things Change Everything — A reflection on Mark 4:30-32 and how God’s kingdom grows from the most unlikely beginnings.

This Week at Triumphant Cross

Prayers for Our Church

We lift the following to God in prayer:

Thursday, July 23

• Prayers for the Church, 6:00 PM — Lord, as we gather for our weekly time of prayer, tune our hearts to your will; may our intercessions rise to you and bear fruit in our congregation and community.

Sunday, July 26

• Worship, 10:00 AM — Gracious God, thank you for the gift of Bishop Kevin Strickland’s presence among us this Sunday; may your Spirit speak through him, and may all who gather leave strengthened in faith and power.
• Fellowship Potluck, 11:00 AM — Bless the hands that prepare and serve this meal; may our time around the table deepen our bonds as a community of faith and give us joy in one another’s company.

People and Concerns on Our Hearts

People:

• Jennifer Leopold
• Anna Harrell
• Cindy and all in the TEEM program following God’s Call

Concerns:

• All the victims of gun violence
• Improved health and peace for those facing chronic illness
• Safety for those in the military, all first responders, and their families
• For those praying for peace in war-torn countries
• Comfort and belonging for those who feel isolated
• Guidance for Bishop Kevin Strickland and the SE Synod staff
• For our Church that we will do God’s Will in the Community
• For Missionaries that are spreading God’s message throughout the world

Our address and directions are on our Contact page.

We are grateful for each of you. See you Sunday!

In Christ, Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church Dothan, Alabama