TCLC News - October 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

The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught…

— Titus 1:5-16 (NIV)

Gracious God, you call those who serve your household to be hospitable, to love what is good, and to hold firmly to the trustworthy message.

As we celebrate Reformation Sunday, thank you for the leaders who have handed down your Word to us, and bless those who lead Triumphant Cross today.

Make us a hospitable people, rooted in your Gospel and eager to share it with our neighbors. Amen.

Wear Red for Reformation Sunday — October 25

This Sunday, October 25 is Reformation Sunday, and everyone is invited to wear red! Red is the color of the Holy Spirit and of the Reformation, reminding us that the Spirit continues to renew Christ’s Church. Cindy Manning will lead worship, and we’ll share a potluck in the Fellowship Hall afterward. To brush up on one of the great themes of the Reformation, read Sola Gratia Defined.

Thanksgiving Potluck — November 15

Save the date for our Thanksgiving Potluck on Sunday, November 15! Come give thanks together around the table with your church family. A sign-up sheet is in the Fellowship Hall, so please add your name and the dish you plan to bring.

New This Week

• Give to Caesar: Whose Authority Do We Live Under? — Reflections on Mark Haynes’ sermon, delivered by Cindy Manning, on Matthew 22:15-22: the trap the Pharisees set, and why God’s timetable is not ours.

• Committal Service in Midland City: Love & Remembrance — Family and friends will gather Sunday, October 25 at 3:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Cemetery to lay to rest Rosemarie Ference, Elsie Siefried, and Gregory Ference. Cindy Manning will officiate.

• God So Loved the World: Singing Stainer’s John 3:16-17 — Why Sir John Stainer’s beloved anthem is a joy to sing and a gift to hear.

This Week at Triumphant Cross

Prayers for Our Church

We lift the following to God in prayer:

Thursday, October 22

• Prayers for the Church, 6:00 PM — Send your Holy Spirit to guide and bless all who pray for our congregation, and hear the prayers we lift for one another.

Sunday, October 25

• Sunday School, 8:45 AM — Send your Spirit to open our hearts and minds to your Word as we learn together.
• Worship, 10:00 AM — Bless Cindy Manning as she leads us in worship this Reformation Sunday. May all who gather be drawn closer to Christ and renewed by your Spirit.
• Fellowship, 11:00 AM — Thank and bless those who prepare and serve the potluck. May our time together deepen our bonds as a community of faith.
• Committal Service, 3:00 PM — Comfort the Ference and Siefried families as we lay to rest Rosemarie, Elsie, and Gregory, and bless Cindy Manning as she officiates. Hold us all in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection.

People and Concerns on Our Hearts

People:

• Pastor Hemphill for recovering from health issues
• Pastor Bob and Alexis
• Bob and Margo, who suffered loss from a house fire
• Healing for Mark’s brother-in-law Larry Sullivan
• Cindy and all in the TEEM program following God’s Call
• Healing for Eugene, recovering from surgery after a stay in critical care, and strength for Ellen (Ursula’s daughter)
• Comfort for the Ference and Siefried families as we lay to rest Rosemarie Ference, Elsie Siefried, and Gregory Ference (committal Sunday, October 25)

Concerns:

• All those who suffered damage or loss from the hurricane
• 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, and don’t forget to wear red!

In Christ, Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church Dothan, Alabama