This Week | September 4 – 10, 2026
September 6 | Welcome Home, Luke 15:11-24 – Pastor Chris Clark
Synopsis: Of all of the incredible stories that the Lord Jesus told during His time on earth—so many powerful, impactful parables with so many applications—there is arguably no parable that applies to more people than this one. It has been titled “The Prodigal Son” and “The Loving Father,” both titles vividly describing the characters in this story. But the focus today is to see ourselves in this story, and to respond to God the Father in the way that brings Him joy.
Fighter Verse: “For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.” – Luke 15:24
Worship Set List
Click on the songs below to listen to this Sundays worship set.
**Want to listen to more of our favorite worship songs at The Lakes?! Check out our Spotify playlist!
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What’s Happening?
WOMEN’S MONTHLY PRAYER | 9/5
Join our Lakes Women on the first Saturday of each month on the 2nd floor, as we come together for a powerful time in praise, prayer and intercession as we seek God’s heart. Come and be a part of what God is doing through prayer!
“Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me and I will hear you.” Jeremiah 29:12
SUNDAY +1 | 9/13
Join us for Sunday + 1 on the patio following each of our Sunday services! At The Lakes, we talk a lot about the importance of community and getting connected—and this is the perfect opportunity to take that next step. On this Sunday, you’ll have the chance to explore just about all the ministries we have here at The Lakes Church, meet ministry leaders, and discover where you can plug in. Whether you’re new, looking to serve, or simply wanting to build deeper connections, Sunday + 1 is for you!
GRIEFSHARE | 9/19
GriefShare is a safe, welcoming place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief. Through this 13-week group, you’ll discover what to expect and what’s “normal” in grief. Since there are no neat, orderly stages of grief, you’ll learn helpful ways of coping with grief, in all its unpredictability—and gain solid support each step of the way.
This 13-week session will meet weekly on Saturday beginning September 19 at 9am
Email Elaine Riedel at laneyact@hotmail.com for more information and to register.
OUTREACH COMMUNITY DINNER | 9/19
*Volunteer Opportunity*
Our Outreach Ministry is organizing a Community Dinner event in partnership with Open Door Outreach. Residents within our community are invited to enjoy dinner, games, and a fun afternoon connecting with neighbors and The Lakes Church family.
Three location service opportunities:
– Whispering Woods Community Center
– American Inn and Suites Lobby (7076 Highland Rd, Waterford, 48327)
– Lakeland Place (2700 Elizabeth Lake Rd, Waterford, 48328)
We’re looking for volunteers to help serve, connect, and make the afternoon extra special. You can sign up through the SignUpGenius link or email outreach@thelakescc.org with any questions.
SAVE THESE DATES NOW…
Be sure to always check our e-bulletin (updated weekly on Fridays) and calendar to stay tuned on everything coming up at The Lakes!
A few more upcoming events to be aware of. More details to come, but for now, save these dates!:
9/5 – Women’s Monthly Prayer Meeting
9/8 – Infant & Toddler Storytime
9/9 – Kids Creek Kickoff
9/9 – Middle School Kickoff
9/9 – Rooted
9/13 – Sunday +1
9/13 – High School Kickoff
9/15 – Infant & Toddler Storytime
9/19 – Outreach Event
9/19 – Run to Set Them Free 5K/10K
9/19 – GriefShare
9/19 – Grandparent Summit
Core Ministries – Weekly Update
Paul’s trip to Rome was rough! From troubles with the weather and waters to issues with others aboard the ship, the men’s hope of survival was fading quickly. Even still…….Paul believed in God’s promise to keep him safe on his mission to proclaim the gospel in Rome!
EARLY CHILDHOOD – Early Childhood (Birth – Kindergarten) program available during the 9:30 and 11:15 Sunday services.
ELEMENTARY AGE (1st-5th grade) – Elementary age program available Sundays during the 9:30 and 11:15 services and Wednesday Kids Creek from 6:30-8pm during the school year!
INFANT AND TODDLER STORYTIME – Looking for a Christ-centered way to break up your day, and get to meet other Moms with Littles? Come check out The Lakes Children Infant & Toddler Story Time. Ages 4 and under. Every Tuesday of from 10am-12pm in the upper level of the church. Kicks off Sept 8
UPCOMING EVENTS:
September 8 – Infant and Toddler Storytime Kickoff
September 9 – Kids Creek Kickoff
September 25 – Family Friday Fun Night @ Detroit Tigers
MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP – Middle School students meet on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30pm in Lakes West (7150 Cooley Lake Rd, shared upper parking lot). Kicks off Sept 9
HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP – High School students meet on Sundays from 6:30-8:30pm in Lakes West (7150 Cooley Lake Rd, shared upper parking lot). Kicks off Sept 13
GROW GROUPS – Join us for a bible study open to our High School Students from 5-6:30pm, location varies. Follow our Instagram to stay up to date with current information and any changes. @thelakesyouth
UPCOMING EVENTS:
September 9 – Middle School Youth Group Kickoff
September 13 – High School Youth Group Kickoff
MONDAY NIGHT YOUNG ADULT GROUP –Looking for community, purpose, and real connection? Join our Young Adult Ministry—a place to grow in faith, build friendships, and navigate life together. Whether you’re in college, starting your career, or figuring things out—we’ve got a seat for you! Ages 18 (post high school) through 29, join us on Mondays from 7:00-9:00pm. We meet weekly at Lakes West (7150 Cooley Lake Rd, shared upper parking lot). Email Ministry leader Dave Borowicz with any questions.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
SHINE will kick off Sept 13.
OUR WEEKLY SERVICE is centered around music, prayer, Bible stories and simple life lessons. All ages and abilities are welcome to come and be free to be themselves while actively participating as a contributing member of an inclusive and loving faith community at The Lakes Church.
Monthly Prayer | Lakes Women meet for prayer the first Saturday of each month from 9:30am to 10:30am!
Quarterly “Chat-a-latte” gathering | Coffee/Tea & fellowship in the lower level Atrium
Seasonal Bible Studies | Our next study will begin in the fall, Jonah – Navigating a Life Interrupted – Register Here.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
September 17 – Women’s Bible Study – Register Here
Weekly Men’s Bible Study
Saturdays at 8am in the upper level.
Tuesdays at 6:30am in the upper level. Kicks off Sept 15
UPCOMING EVENTS:
