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Triumphant Cross- Lutheran Church - Dothan, Al, 2643 Murphy Mill Road, Dothan, AL (2026)

10/24/2026

✝️ FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2026
🙏 THE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE: WORSHIP THROUGH EVERY SEASON

📖 Today’s Readings: Hebrews 13:12–16 | Psalm 22:1–5

“Yet You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.”
— Psalm 22:3

💙 Praise God Even When Life Is Difficult

Praise comes naturally when life is going well. We thank God for answered prayers, joyful celebrations, and moments when everything seems to fall into place. But what happens when we are hurting, afraid, or struggling to understand why something has happened?

Psalm 22 reminds us that faith and suffering can exist together. As Jesus hung on the cross, He cried out the opening words of this psalm: “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Even in His deepest suffering, Jesus prayed with the words of Scripture.

The same God who hears our joyful songs also hears our cries of anguish. We do not have to hide our grief, pretend everything is fine, or force ourselves to feel happy when our hearts are hurting. We can bring our honest prayers before God, trusting that He remains holy, faithful, and worthy of our praise.

Hebrews 13:15 calls us to offer God a continual sacrifice of praise. Sometimes that praise is a joyful song. Sometimes it is a whispered prayer through tears. Sometimes it is simply holding on to faith when we cannot see the way forward.

Our hope rests in Jesus, who sacrificed Himself for our salvation. Because of His death and resurrection, suffering does not have the final word. God’s love remains, His promises endure, and we can turn to Him in every season of life.

Today’s Reflection:
Are you experiencing a season of joy, uncertainty, or sorrow? Whatever you are carrying today, bring it honestly to God. Thank Him for His faithfulness, even when you do not understand your circumstances. Your prayers do not have to be perfect or polished. A sincere prayer offered in faith is itself an act of trust and worship.

🙏 Prayer

Lord God, in days of trouble, help me grow stronger in faith and offer You my daily sacrifice of praise. When my heart is joyful, teach me to give thanks. When I am hurting, give me courage to pray honestly and trust Your promises. Thank You for the saving love of Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice gives me forgiveness and everlasting hope. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

✨ Remember today:

🙏 Praise God in seasons of joy.
💙 Trust Him in seasons of sorrow.
✝️ Find lasting hope in the love of Jesus.

Gather ✝ Grow ✝ Go
Christ’s Love Changes Everything!

10/23/2026

📖 TCLC News — October 22, 2026 ✝️

“He must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.”
— Titus 1:8 (NIV)

💙 A Word for This Week

God calls us to be welcoming, faithful, and rooted in the Gospel. As we celebrate Reformation Sunday, we give thanks for those who have faithfully shared God’s Word throughout the generations. May the Holy Spirit continue to renew our church and strengthen us to share Christ’s love with our neighbors.

📚 NEW THIS WEEK

🪙 Give to Caesar: Whose Authority Do We Live Under?
A reflection on Matthew 22:15–22 and the question of how we live faithfully in a world of competing demands.

🕊️ Committal Service in Midland City: Love & Remembrance
Join us in remembering Rosemarie Ference, Elsie Siefried, and Gregory Ference. The service will take place Sunday, October 25, at 3:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Midland City, officiated by Cindy Manning.

🎶 God So Loved the World: Singing Stainer’s John 3:16–17
Discover why this beloved anthem is a joy to sing and a gift to hear.

⛪ THIS WEEK AT TRIUMPHANT CROSS

🙏 Thursday, October 22
Prayers for the Church — 6:00 PM

📖 Sunday, October 25 — Reformation Sunday
Sunday School — 8:45 AM
✝️ Worship led by Cindy Manning — 10:00 AM
🍽️ Potluck Fellowship — 11:00 AM
🕊️ Committal Service — 3:00 PM
Sunset Memorial Cemetery, Midland City

🔴 DON’T FORGET TO WEAR RED THIS SUNDAY!

Red represents the Holy Spirit and the Reformation, reminding us that the Spirit continues to renew Christ’s Church. Join us for worship and stay afterward for our potluck fellowship!

🦃 SAVE THE DATE: THANKSGIVING POTLUCK
📅 Sunday, November 15

Let’s give thanks together around the table with our church family! A sign-up sheet is available in the Fellowship Hall. Please add your name and the dish you plan to bring.

🙏 PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYER

Please pray for Pastor Hemphill as he recovers from health issues; Pastor Bob and Alexis; Bob and Margo following their house fire; Larry Sullivan; Cindy and everyone in the TEEM program; Eugene as he recovers from surgery; Ellen, Ursula’s daughter; and the Ference and Siefried families as they grieve their loved ones.

We also pray for everyone affected by hurricane damage, victims of gun violence, those facing chronic illness, our military and first responders, people seeking peace in war-torn countries, those experiencing isolation, Bishop Kevin Strickland and the Southeastern Synod staff, our congregation, and missionaries sharing God’s message throughout the world.

💙 We are grateful for each of you. See you Sunday—and don’t forget to wear red!

Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church
Dothan, Alabama

10/23/2026

✝️ THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
💙 PRACTICE: GROWING IN CHRIST’S LOVE

📖 Today’s Readings: 1 Timothy 4:11–16 | Psalm 1

“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
— Philippians 4:9

🌱 Faith Grows Through Daily Practice

“Practice makes perfect.” We hear this saying when learning a new skill, developing a talent, or working toward a goal. Practice takes patience, commitment, and a willingness to keep going—even when we make mistakes.

Our life of faith is much the same. Each day gives us opportunities to practice the love of Jesus through our thoughts, words, and actions. We practice patience when someone frustrates us, forgiveness when we have been hurt, generosity when someone is in need, and kindness when a simple word of encouragement can make a difference.

But there is an important difference between Christian faith and mastering a skill: we do not earn God’s love by becoming perfect. Through Baptism and faith in Jesus Christ, we receive God’s grace and the gift of Christ’s righteousness. We follow Jesus not to earn His approval, but because we have already been loved and forgiven.

Scripture teaches us how to walk in His ways. The example of faithful Christians encourages us, and the Holy Spirit strengthens us when we stumble. Every new day is another opportunity to grow in faith and reflect Christ’s love to others.

We may never get everything right, but God continues to work in us. Our goal is not to impress the world with our perfection. It is to let God’s love shape the way we live.

Today’s Reflection:
What is one way you can practice Christ’s love today? Perhaps you can listen patiently, forgive someone, help a neighbor, encourage a friend, or pray for someone who is struggling.

Small acts of love matter. With the Holy Spirit’s guidance, ordinary moments can become opportunities to share the extraordinary grace of God.

🙏 Prayer

Spirit of God, guide me in the daily practice of following my Savior. Teach me to speak with kindness, act with compassion, forgive generously, and serve others with humility. When I make mistakes, remind me of Your grace. Help me grow each day in faith and love, reflecting Jesus in all that I do. In His name, Amen.

✨ Remember today:

🌱 Practice kindness in your words.
💙 Practice forgiveness in your relationships.
✝️ Practice love because Christ first loved you.

Gather ✝ Grow ✝ Go
Christ’s Love Changes Everything!

10/21/2026

✝️ WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026
🌅 THE HOUR HAS COME: WAKE UP AND WALK IN THE LIGHT

📖 Today’s Readings: Romans 13:11–14 | Psalm 39:4–7

“Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.”
— Romans 13:11

💙 Stay Awake. Stay Faithful. Keep Your Hope in Christ.

Autumn reminds us that the seasons are changing. Leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, and their falling signals that winter is approaching. In creation, God gives us signs that help us recognize the changing seasons.

Scripture also calls us to pay attention to the times in which we live. Jesus spoke about troubling events, false prophets, and challenges that His followers would face. These things can be frightening, but they also remind us that this world is not our final home.

Paul’s message in Romans is clear: it is time to wake up spiritually. We are called to turn away from darkness and live in the light of Jesus Christ. Rather than allowing fear, distractions, or the troubles of the world to control our hearts, we can remain grounded in God’s Word and faithful in our daily lives.

We do not know the day or hour of Christ’s return, and we should not try to predict it. Instead, we prepare by loving our neighbors, serving those in need, forgiving others, praying faithfully, and sharing the hope of the Gospel.

Today’s Reflection:
What might be keeping you spiritually asleep? Perhaps it is worry, busyness, resentment, or simply taking God’s grace for granted.

Today is an opportunity to begin again. Open your heart to God’s Word, look for ways to serve others, and let the light of Christ guide your choices. The hour has come to live with purpose, faith, and hope as we await our Savior.

🙏 Prayer

Lord Jesus, keep us awake and faithful as we await Your return. When the world feels uncertain, strengthen our trust in Your promises. Help us turn away from darkness, walk in Your light, and share Your love with everyone we meet. May we live each day with hearts ready to welcome You. Amen.

✨ Remember today:

🌅 Wake up to God’s calling.
✝️ Walk in the light of Jesus.
💙 Live with hope as you await His return.

Gather ✝ Grow ✝ Go
Christ’s Love Changes Everything!

10/21/2026

✝️ TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2026
✨ SHINING THROUGH: GOD’S LIGHT IN OUR IMPERFECT LIVES

📖 Today’s Readings: Judges 7:19–23 | Psalm 18:25–30

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.”
— 2 Corinthians 4:7

💙 God Can Shine Through Our Cracks

God does not need perfect people to accomplish His purposes.

In the Old Testament, Gideon and just 300 men faced the Midianite army. They carried torches hidden inside ordinary clay jars. At the appointed moment, they broke the jars, revealed the light, and sounded their trumpets. God brought victory—not through overwhelming human strength, but through His own power.

The apostle Paul uses the image of fragile clay jars to describe our lives. We are imperfect people who struggle with pride, selfishness, fear, and sin. We may feel weak, inadequate, or broken by the challenges we face.

Yet God has entrusted us with something extraordinary: the treasure of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The light of Christ does not depend on our perfection. Through the Holy Spirit, God works through ordinary people to share extraordinary love. Our kindness can encourage someone who feels forgotten. Our forgiveness can help heal a broken relationship. Our willingness to serve can reveal Christ to someone who needs hope.

We may have cracks, but those cracks do not make us useless. God’s grace meets us in our weakness, forgives our sins, and allows His light to shine through us.

Today’s Reflection:
You do not have to be perfect to make a difference. Ask God to show you one way to share Christ’s light today. A kind word, a patient response, a helping hand, or a prayer for someone in need can become a powerful witness to God’s love.

Remember: The power comes from God, not from us.

🙏 Prayer

Jesus, forgive my sins and let Your light shine through me. When I feel weak or inadequate, remind me that Your power is greater than my limitations. Use my words, actions, and ordinary moments to share Your love with others. May my life point beyond myself to the hope and grace found in You. Amen.

✨ Remember today:

🏺 We are imperfect, but we are loved by God.
💡 Christ’s light shines through ordinary people.
✝️ God’s power—not our perfection—makes the difference.

Gather ✝ Grow ✝ Go
Christ’s Love Changes Everything!

10/19/2026

✝️ MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2026
🛡️ THREAT AND PROMISE: THE VICTORY BELONGS TO JESUS

📖 Today’s Readings: Hebrews 2:14–18 | Psalm 130

“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”
— Genesis 3:15

💙 Even in the Garden, God Promised a Savior

When Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, sin entered the world and shattered the perfect relationship humanity had enjoyed with God. Fear, suffering, brokenness, and death became part of the human experience.

But the story did not end with judgment.

Even in Eden, God spoke a promise of hope. Genesis 3:15 points forward to the coming Savior, Jesus Christ, who would defeat the serpent and overcome the power of sin and death.

The promise would come at a cost. Jesus would suffer and die on the cross, bearing the punishment for our sins. What appeared to be defeat became the means of our salvation. Through His death and resurrection, Christ broke the power of the devil and opened the way to forgiveness and eternal life.

The enemy’s threat is real, and we see the effects of sin in our world today. Yet evil does not have the final word. God’s promise has been fulfilled in Jesus, and His victory gives us hope even in our darkest moments.

Today’s Reflection:
When the world feels broken, remember that God’s plan of redemption began long before we could understand our need for it. From the Garden of Eden to the cross and the empty tomb, God has remained faithful to His promise.

You do not have to face fear, guilt, or uncertainty alone. Through Jesus, forgiveness is yours, hope is alive, and the final victory belongs to our Lord.

🙏 Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for being the promised Savior who defeats sin, death, and the devil. When fear and uncertainty surround us, remind us of Your victory on the cross and the hope of Your resurrection. Strengthen our faith, fill us with Your peace, and help us share Your love with a world that needs Your saving grace. In Your holy name, Amen.

✨ Remember today:

🛡️ Sin entered the world, but God promised a Savior.
✝️ Jesus defeated the enemy through His death and resurrection.
💙 Our hope rests in the victory of Christ!

Gather ✝ Grow ✝ Go
Christ’s Love Changes Everything!

10/18/2026

⛪ SUNDAY WORSHIP | OCTOBER 18, 2026
Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church — Dothan, Alabama

🌿 Give to God What Is God’s 🌿

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

Today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 22:15–22 reminds us of Jesus’ wisdom when he was challenged with a difficult question about paying taxes to Caesar. His answer calls us to fulfill our responsibilities in the world while remembering that our ultimate allegiance belongs to God.

💙 Today’s Reflection

* Live with integrity. Let your words and actions reflect God’s truth.
* Serve your neighbors. Be responsible, compassionate, and just in your community.
* Give God your heart. Our faith is more than what we say; it is how we live.
* Remember what belongs to God. Our worship, our lives, and our love belong to the Lord.

📖 Today’s Scripture Readings
• Isaiah 45:1–7
• Psalm 96:1–13
• 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10
• Matthew 22:15–22

🙏 A Prayer for Dothan and the Wiregrass

Gracious God, guide our hearts and minds as we worship today. Give us wisdom to make faithful choices, courage to stand for truth, and compassion to serve our neighbors. Bless the people of Dothan and the Wiregrass with peace, hope, and unity. Help us reflect your love in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May your Sunday be filled with worship, grace, and the peace of Christ!

All Are Welcome! Come As You Are. 💙💛

📍 Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church
Dothan, Alabama

10/18/2026

✝️ SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2026
💙 BRAGGING RIGHTS: GOD IS STRONG IN OUR WEAKNESS

📖 Today’s Readings: 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 | Psalm 34:1–10

“If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.”
— 2 Corinthians 11:30

🌟 Our Strength Comes from God’s Grace

In a world where people often measure success by achievements, talents, possessions, and the approval of others, it can be tempting to show everyone how strong or successful we are. Social media can make that temptation even greater.

But the apostle Paul points us toward a different kind of boasting—not in our accomplishments, but in the grace and power of God.

Paul experienced hardship and struggled with what he called a “thorn” in his flesh. He prayed for relief, but God did not remove the difficulty. Instead, Paul learned that God’s grace was sufficient and that divine strength could be revealed through human weakness.

We see this truth most clearly in Jesus Christ. To the world, the cross looked like defeat. Yet through Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection, God accomplished the victory of our salvation.

We do not have to pretend to be perfect, hide our struggles, or prove our worth to others. We can acknowledge our weaknesses while trusting that God remains faithful. Our talents are gifts to use in service to others, and our greatest reason to boast is the love, mercy, and grace we receive through Jesus.

Today’s Reflection:
Where are you trying to appear strong when you need to depend on God? Remember that asking for help is not a failure of faith. Our weaknesses do not place us beyond God’s reach. They can remind us to rely on the One whose strength never fails.

🙏 Prayer

Jesus, thank You for Your love and grace. When I am tempted to boast in my accomplishments or hide my weaknesses, remind me that my greatest hope is found in You. Teach me to use my gifts humbly, serve others faithfully, and trust Your strength when my own is not enough. May my life point others toward Your grace. Amen.

✨ Remember today:

💙 We do not have to prove our worth.
✝️ God’s grace is greater than our weakness.
🙏 Our greatest boast is Jesus Christ!

Gather ✝ Grow ✝ Go
Christ’s Love Changes Everything!

Join us for worship at Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church as we gather in faith, grow in God’s Word, and go forth to share Christ’s love.

10/17/2026

✝️ SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026
🙏 DON’T LET GO: PERSIST IN PRAYER

📖 Today’s Readings: Luke 18:1–8 | Psalm 143

“I will not let You go unless You bless me.”
— Genesis 32:26 (NIV)

💙 Keep Praying. Keep Trusting. Keep the Faith.

Have you ever prayed for something for so long that you wondered whether God was listening?

In Genesis, Jacob wrestled through the night and refused to let go until he received a blessing. In Luke 18, Jesus tells the story of a persistent widow who continued seeking justice until her request was heard.

Both stories remind us of the importance of perseverance. Prayer is not about trying to force God to do what we want. It is about bringing our fears, hopes, struggles, and needs honestly before our loving heavenly Father—and continuing to trust Him even when the answer has not yet come.

Unlike the unjust judge in Jesus’ parable, God is not indifferent to our cries. He knows our needs, hears our prayers, and responds according to His wisdom and loving will. We see His love most clearly in Jesus Christ, who gave His life for us so that we might receive forgiveness and the promise of eternal life.

Sometimes God changes our circumstances. Sometimes He changes our hearts. Sometimes He gives us the strength to endure while we wait. Whatever the answer, we can hold firmly to His promises.

Today’s Reflection:
What prayer have you been tempted to give up on? Bring it before God again today. Be honest about your struggles, patient in the waiting, and confident in His love. You may not know when or how God will answer, but you can trust that you are never beyond His care.

🙏 Prayer

Dear Savior, help us remain persistent and steadfast in prayer. When we grow weary, renew our faith. When answers seem delayed, give us patience. Teach us to trust Your wisdom, rest in Your promises, and recognize Your loving presence in every season of life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

✨ Remember today:

🙏 Keep praying, even when the answer takes time.
💙 Keep trusting, even when the way is unclear.
✝️ Never let go of the hope we have in Christ.

Gather ✝ Grow ✝ Go
Christ’s Love Changes Everything!

10/17/2026

✝️ FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026
📖 UNSEEN: A FAITH THAT LASTS FOREVER

“We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
— 2 Corinthians 4:18

📖 Today’s Readings: 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 | Psalm 9:1–10

💙 Look Beyond What You Can See

Our world often measures success by what we can see and touch—money, possessions, achievements, and outward appearances. But the most important things in life cannot always be seen.

We cannot see faith, yet faith sustains us. We cannot hold forgiveness in our hands, yet God’s grace gives us freedom. We cannot see tomorrow, yet we can trust the promises of the One who holds our future.

The apostle Paul reminds us that the things of this world are temporary. Possessions fade, circumstances change, and even our earthly strength has limits. But God’s promises remain true.

Through faith in Jesus Christ, we have forgiveness for our sins, peace in the midst of uncertainty, and the promise of eternal life. Although we cannot see Jesus with our eyes today, we trust in Him through the Holy Spirit and the truth of God’s Word.

Today’s Reflection:
Where are you placing your hope? Are you focusing only on what is happening around you, or are you trusting in what God has promised?

When life feels uncertain, remember that what you see today does not tell the whole story. God is at work even when you cannot see the outcome. Keep your eyes fixed on Christ, and let His eternal promises guide your heart.

🙏 Prayer

Holy Spirit, strengthen our faith when we cannot see the way ahead. Help us look beyond the temporary things of this world and trust in the eternal promises of Jesus Christ. Fill our hearts with gratitude for Your gifts, peace in times of uncertainty, and hope that endures through every season of life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

✨ Remember today:

✝️ What we see is temporary.
💙 God’s promises remain forever.
🙏 Walk by faith and trust in Christ.

Gather ✝ Grow ✝ Go
Christ’s Love Changes Everything!

Triumphant Cross- Lutheran Church - Dothan, Al

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