TCLC News - October 1, 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

Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow…

— Colossians 2:16-23 (NIV)

Gracious God, your Word reminds us that the reality of all things is found in Christ, not in rules, appearances, or the judgments of others.

As we gather this Sunday for worship, a congregation meeting, and fellowship around the table, keep Christ as the head from whom our whole body draws its life.

Hold us together by your Spirit as ligaments and sinews so that we grow as you cause us to grow — not by our own striving, but by your grace. Amen.

New This Week

We have two new posts on the blog you may want to read or share:

• His Authority, Our Choice: Remember, the Vineyard Is Always Open — Cindy Manning’s sermon from September 27 on Matthew 21:23-32, the parable of the two sons and what it means to follow Jesus with our hearts.

• Fall Yard Sale at Triumphant Cross — October 9 & 10 in Dothan — Full details on our upcoming sale, including volunteer opportunities during preparation week.

This Week at Triumphant Cross

Congregation Meeting — This Sunday

Please plan to stay after worship this Sunday, October 4 for our Congregation Meeting, beginning at 11:00 AM. This is an important time for our community to gather, share updates, and make decisions together as the body of Christ. A Fellowship follows at 11:30 AM — bring a dish to share if you are able.

Looking Ahead — Fall Yard Sale

Our Fall Yard Sale kicks off the following week! Here is the schedule:

Congregation members are encouraged to help with preparation (Oct 5–8) and cleanup (Oct 10) if able. See the full announcement for more details.

Prayers for Our Church

We lift the following to God in prayer:

Sunday, October 4

• Sunday School, 8:45 AM — Lord, watch over our children and youth as they gather to learn. May their faith take root and grow deep.
• Worship, 10:00 AM — Bless Cindy Manning as she leads us in Word and worship this Sunday. May all who gather be drawn closer to Christ.
• Congregation Meeting, 11:00 AM — Guide our congregation’s deliberations with wisdom, patience, and unity of purpose. May Christ remain our head in all that we decide.
• Fellowship, 11:30 AM — Thank and bless those who prepare and serve. May our time around the table deepen our bonds as a community of faith.

Upcoming — Yard Sale Preparation (October 5–8)

• Preparation, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM each day — Lord, bless the hands and hearts of all who come to sort, set up, and prepare this week. Give them energy, good humor, and the joy of serving together.

Upcoming — Fall Yard Sale (October 9–10)

• Fall Yard Sale, Friday October 9, Noon–5:00 PM — May this sale be a blessing to our neighbors in Dothan and a witness to the warmth and welcome of Triumphant Cross. Guide those who come through our doors.
• Fall Yard Sale, Saturday October 10, 8:00 AM–Noon — Continue to bless the sale and all who participate. May every transaction be touched by your grace.
• Cleanup, Saturday October 10, ~1:00 PM — Bless all who stay to restore and clean the Fellowship Hall. May their service reflect the spirit of the first son in the parable — those who said yes and showed up.

People and Concerns on Our Hearts

People:

• Healing for Mark’s brother-in-law Larry Sullivan.
• Healing for Jessy
• Healing for Jason
• Healing for Jennifer
• Bernadette (Roland’s friend)
• Taylor (WELCA webpage designer)
• Jane and Barbie Schneckloth
• Blackmon family for the passing of A1
• Cindy and all in the TEEM program following God’s Call

Concerns:

• All who are suffering Long Covid.
• 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