Inspired to pray

Hey Friends and Family of TCC,

Sisters’ Closet, one of our most impactful compassion events is this weekend. Sisters’ Closet began as a clothing exchange that has morphed into a clothing giveaway. Imagine 400 women on a shopping excursion to get clothing they need but can’t afford all made possible by your generous donations of gently used clothing. I’ve seen women walk out with bags full, smiles on their faces, feeling like someone cares. It happens every time we do this event. We get amazing stories back from women showing us the immediate and felt blessing they receive.

Here’s the way it works. Ladies bring your gently used clothing items – including shoes and accessories – to church this Friday from 3:00–7:00pm. As you do that a group of women will sort and hang and pile clothes according to sizes. Then on Saturday morning at 9:00 we’ll open the doors and women from our community and church will get to “shop” for free. The really cool thing is that we offer free childcare for those moms with young children. I love watching the smiles and even some tears as women get to have some “new to them clothes” which boosts their dignity and pride.

Two weeks ago as I was working my way through the story of Jehoshaphat, I was inspired by his call to the people of Judah to gather for prayer. That inspiration led to discussions around our office, and we sensed a strong urge to call our church to gather to pray on October 19, 4:00–5:00pm here at our church. We are going to pray for our world, nation, community and church.

We are calling this prayer experience The Gathering based upon this declaration and promise by Jesus – “Where two or three gather together as My followers, I am there among them.” Come experience the presence of Jesus with your church family as we humble ourselves before our God. If you missed the service from September 28, you’ll want to watch the message on Pray Like Jehoshaphat When Your Circumstances Are Overwhelming. It was a day of release and hope.

This Sunday we’ll focus on Hezekiah’s prayer when he felt desperate for God to act on his behalf. I’m sure many of us can relate to feeling like that. If you know someone who is going through a season of difficulty please invite them to come.