Some may feel the Bible is out of date and irrelevant, but a careful search will reveal a treasure of timeless truths designed by God with us in mind. Our theme considers over 30 ways in which we can benefit from Biblical wisdom, each following the prefix: ‘be…’

The RH upcoming events sidebar will give you the weekly titles, starting with ‘8 ways to great personal relationships’

Alpha takes place in a relaxed setting over ten thought-provoking weekly sessions.

Join Bear Grylls and millions of others who have invested a small part of their lives to explore the Christian faith through Alpha.

You will be welcomed with a pleasant meal, enjoy a brief presentation followed by an opportunity for discussion and questions.

For course details please click: events@lakesideperton.co.uk

For further Alpha Course information, please click: uk.alpha.org/

VISION & VALUES

We’re in the 2nd decade of a new millennim and our church will be 30 years old this year! From humble beginnings in 1980, Lakeside Community Church Perton has grown to over 150 adults & young people and is developing both a local & international ministry that reaches out across the globe.

Our theme this year is ‘life in all its fulness’ from John 10:10 and we use this to set some visionary goals for the life and journey of this church now and in the future:

Our primary goal is to prepare for a real & sustainable move of God in this area. Perton lies in a transition zone between the city and the countryside and we find ourselves involved in both areas: the city with its urban needs and the people living in the villages on the edge of the city & out into the countryside. I believe God loves this area and its people and know that around us many are searching for something authentic and lasting.

Secondly we are contributing to the transformation of the city of Wolverhampton through our involvement with the W’ton NET churches events, helping to pioneer W’ton Youth For Christ and develop involvement in other initiatives.

We intentionally go beyond the boundary of our own church to reach out to other local churches, believing that together we can make a difference.

We see our church as a resource which is developing transferrable values & ministries from which others can benefit.

Finally, we strongly believe in the power of ‘team’ and seek to develop & release more key leaders & teams as our church grows.

My hope is that we capture this season of opportunity through every person pursuing their individual Christian destiny, and live out what we believe in our homes, with our neighbours, in the schools & colleges, at work and everywhere in our communities, for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

May God richly bless you as you serve him day to day.

Rob Pearson, Pastor

Jesus Christ is the central focus of the Christian faith and the names attributed to him each describe an important aspect of his life and character, we get to know him through the descriptive names found in scripture.

 A website search will reveal long lists of names; our Sunday messages will look at the key names of Jesus Christ found in the New Testament grouped under themes.

Journey with us as we discover more of this most unique person – past, present and future.

What do we take with us into the future from the 00’s?

At the start of this year we follow the theme of re-engaging, confident in the knowledge that God has a good plan for every one of us and is with us on the journey of life.

Please check our ‘re-engaging’ sermons tab.

In the passage which includes John 10:10, Jesus using the analogy of a shepherd and his sheep, promised his listeners ‘life in all its fullness’ , where the sheep would enjoy good pasture and the protection and guidance of the ‘good shepherd’. Jesus extends the analogy to include himself as the gate or entry point of the protective sheepfold, as well as the good shepherd who leads out his flock and ultimately saves them from thieves, robbers, false shepherds and destroyers:  John 10:7 Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Now either Jesus was misleading us, or telling us the truth. If we choose to believe his words as the truth for us in context, there is hope for you and me which extends to every situation, transforming our understanding of the point of life, having its focus on Christ.

People the world over are precious, valuable and beyond price; our interactions with them provide opportunities for the Good Shepherd to bring ‘life in all its fullness’ to those we meet every day.

May 2010 be the year where you experience ‘life in all its fullness’!

God bless you,

Pastor Rob Pearson

Soul Survivor is a THE event for young people in our region.

With amazing worship, great speakers, challenging teaching and time with your mates, you can’t miss it. For further details visit: www.soulsurvivor.com/uk/ss2010

The Wolverhampton NET churches are encouraging all their young people to attend, please aim to be one of them!

Further details from our Youth Pastor, Andrew Bradley.

Guest speakers for 2010 are: Simon Trundle who leads the VIA Hope Church in Wellingborough, Northampton and Tom Cleary who has been a friend of our church for many years and had significant influence with our young people.

For further information on the location please visit: www.cefnlea.co.uk/discover.php

All of us have obstacles in life that from time to time need OVERCOMING! Some happen quickly and are usually sorted out fairly soon, others not so!

Problems come in three forms: a) those that solve themselves , b) those that left unattended stay the same and c) those that need attention to stop them getting worse – these are the ones we have to work at. A tradesman’s real skill is seen when things are going wrong and he is able to fix your faulty car or washing machine - he overcomes your problem for you.

We have a fantastic God who cares for us in many ways, but especially through the example and teaching of Jesus Christ and the early church leaders & missionaries. This hands on help is written down in the Bible for our benefit, we also have the ministry of the Holy Spirit constantly available for every believer in Christ.

Do you know that in the New Testament there are 130+ Biblical references advising us: (DON’T), and 360+ references advising us (DO). We are advised over twice as many times to DO than we are to DON’T! Jesus actually said everything in him is YES and AMEN (2 Cor 1:20).

In times of difficulty we remind ourselves that God will keep us from falling (Jude 1:24) and supply all our needs (Phil 4:19), but need to remember that he who promises to feed the birds – and therefore us (Luke 12:240) does not drop the food in their nests – they have to go and search for it. Likewise, we have to find and apply Biblical principles for our lives to flourish and not be held back by problems and issues that we can resolve with some application on our part!

Our journey of discovery in October and November will help us overcome the obstacles that come our way with the wisdom and guidance the Bible provides for us + the opportunity to talk in confidence with another (a problem shared is a problem halved). We have an excellent speaking team and an equally excellent pastoral ministry team. We have a Quiet Room open all through Sunday morning where you can sit, relect, pray and if appropriate, talk to the caring staff on hand.

So, to overcome with God’s help we need to use the tools he provides in the form of God’s values, principles and guidance which help us to get unstuck and move on as we apply them to our lives. Jesus said ‘the truth will set you free’ (John 8:32), and ‘if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed’ (John 8:36).

If everything is going well in your life and there are no obstacles to overcome, learning these principles can help you to help another.

We look forward to you joining us in October and November 2009.

Please also look for the sermons on the website.

God bless,

Rob Pearson, Pastor