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Pause & Reflect

By Dr. Jeff Webb

Have you ever felt like there is…well…something underwhelming about Palm Sunday?

C'mon, let’s be honest. It's just the two of us.

Let's paint the picture together.

You walk into church, someone hands you a palm branch, and you’re not entirely sure what to do with it. You hold it. You wave it (a little). You try not to poke the person in front of you—and by the time you get home, it’s already drying out on the kitchen counter next to the mail.

It certainly feels symbolic… but somehow also distant.

Ancient.

Let’s take a moment to talk about exactly what happened on that first Palm Sunday. It was anything but quiet or quaint.

It was loud. It was really charged.

Why? Because those branches weren’t just branches.

They were declarations.


Holy Week Starting This Sunday

Easter Week is just around the corner, beginning March 29 with Palm Sunday! We invite you to join us as we celebrate this special season together. You can view all Easter Week events and additional church activities at gbcwa.org/events including:

  • Palm Sunday | March 29 | 10:30 AM
  • Lord's Supper & Potluck | Thursday | April 2 | 6:00 PM
  • Good Friday Candlelight Vigil | April 3 | 7:00 PM
  • Sunrise Service & Breakfast | April 5 | 6:35 AM
  • Easter Service | April 5 | 10:30 AM

If you’re planning to attend the Lord’s Supper & Potluck, please consider bringing a dish to share. You can also sign up to bring a breakfast item for the Sunrise Service & Breakfast by VISITING THE WEBSITE HERE or by adding your name to the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the foyer.

We look forward to celebrating the hope and joy of Easter with you!

STARTING THIS SUNDAY!

COMING MARCH 29! Christianity 103, the third of three multi-session classes, is designed to equip serious Christians for an authentic, fruitful walk with Christ. SIGN UP HERE. This Sunday's lesson will be on "new life-new direction". See the full syllabus by CLICKING HERE. Don't miss out on this invaluable opportunity to learn and share.

Chili & Pie Cook-Off THIS SUNDAY!

Get those secret family recipes ready and fire up the stove—it’s time for our 2nd annual Chili & Pie Cook-Off!

Bring your boldest chili. Bake your flakiest pie. Claim your bragging rights! Join us Sunday, March 29, from 5:00–8:30 PM for a night packed with flavor, fun, and friendly competition. A panel of judges will award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes for both chili and pie—so bring your A-game!

Not feeling competitive? We still need you! Be part of the action by serving in the kitchen or bringing tasty extras like cornbread, soup crackers, sour cream, and onions. The judges may keep it simple, but the rest of us love piling on the fixin’s!

Sign up on the bulletin board this Sunday—or skip the line and SIGN UP TO BRING CHILI HERE or SIGN UP TO BRING PIE HERE.

Let the cooking begin!

Count It All Joy

   

One of the great joys of being a child of God is that we get to manage his money. Whether you are tithing or giving an offering, Grace Bible Church online giving is now available multiple ways.

  1. Through the Church website under the "GIVE" TAB (drop down menu) on the HOME page.
  2. By simply CLICKING HERE and then choosing the fund you would like to give to.
  3. By activating the GBC QR code (below) by using your camera.

As always, you can give cash or check by placing it into the offering plates in the back of the sanctuary; or, by mailing it to: Grace Bible Church Attn: Treasurer, 1109 S. Main Street, Washington, IL. 61571.

  

  

This Thursday is the last Hot Soup Lunch of the Season. We have a fabulous time together and mingle around two steaming pots of hot soup. We'll be looking for volunteers to cook a soup each week. This week we are having Sweet Potato Soup and a Jo Miller Special.You can bring dessert, a side, or just yourself. And as usual, the church will supply crackers, cutlery, bowls, and such. This is a great opportunity for our church to get together and invite friends and family to join us in fellowship. We meet on Thursdays at noon until March 26. We hope to see you there!


Office Use Guidelines

We’re grateful for the many hands and hearts that serve so faithfully throughout our church family. As you prepare materials, plan lessons, or organize ministry efforts, please know that the church office is available to you as a resource—especially for printing and copying needs.

At the same time, we kindly ask that the office be treated with care and respect. Areas such as desks, drawers, and cabinets—particularly around Lisa’s workspace—may contain private or sensitive information. For that reason, we ask that volunteers refrain from browsing or “treasure hunting” (as tempting as it may be 😊) through these spaces.

If you need something and aren’t sure where to find it, we’re always happy to help—just ask!

Thank you for your understanding and for serving so faithfully. Together, we can steward both our resources and our relationships well.

Kids Quest

Meets on the Second Wednesday of Each Month 

6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

September through April

Ages Pre-K - 5th Grade

You, your children, and all their friends are invited to join us on April 8 and find out what Jesus can do with mud! The evening will be interactive, inspiring, and unforgettable. To see more and sign up CLICK HERE.

TRUE CONFERENCE

True Conference is a women’s conference hosted by Connect Church right here in town (1750 Washington Rd., Washington, IL 61571). It will take place Friday, April 17, from 6:00–9:30 PM, and continue Saturday, April 18, from 9:00 AM–4:00 PM.


You can attend Friday evening, Saturday, or the full conference experience—whatever works best for your schedule!


  • Friday only: $20

  • Saturday only: $40

  • Full conference (Friday & Saturday): $40

This will be a meaningful time of encouragement, connection, and spiritual growth with other women in our community.


If you are interested or want more info sign up HERE. 


If you have decided to come SIGN UP HERE. You will have a choice of what you want for lunch. When prompted, please select “Grace Bible Church” as your seating option.

UPCOMING WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY

Bev couldn't be more excited about this new study. In order to choose a starting date she needs to know whether the women of Grace Bible Church prefer a Wednesday evening or a Saturday morning? CAST YOUR VOTE(S) HERE!


Learn more about Kristi McClelland and this study below.


"Join biblical culturalist Kristi McLelland as she transports you back to Jesus' world, following in the footsteps of the women who came face-to-face with the Living God. Over 7 sessions, examine the historical and cultural climate of first-century Middle Eastern society to not only understand Jesus more deeply but to fuel your worship of Him today." -Lifeway Women


See more plus a video of Kristi McClelland regarding this study by CLICKING HERE.


RHMA Brownies

The Rural Home Missionary Association (RHMA), based in Morton, hosts a special conference each spring to encourage and care for missionaries from all over the United States—complete with great fellowship and plenty of good food!


This year, we have the opportunity to bless them in a simple but meaningful way. RHMA has asked our church to provide 300 brownies (individually wrapped, no frosting) by Sunday, April 19.


We’re looking for volunteers to bake! Please see instructions and sign up in the Church foyer.

Bike Rodeo

Save the date for this year's Bike Rodeo: Thursday, May 21!

Vacation Bible School

The VBS Planning Team is looking for volunteers to help with KINGDOM QUEST VBS! VBS will be June 14 -18 6:15 -8:30 pm.

Please see the Volunteer Roster on the bulletin board in the foyer to sign-up.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact Maureen Isenberg.

Unused Church Items 

These items are to be considered for sale, given away, or disposed of. The Trustees and the Official Board have decided to offer these items to the congregation as a first step. The following is a list of all the items available: 

  • 3 Black Rolling Stands
  • Electric Organ Including Speakers
  • 2 2x6 Wood Tables
  • 8 Five Foot Round Wood Tables
  • Wood Old Style Pulpit
  • 2 Wood Straight Back Chairs
If you are interested, please contact one of the trustees: Dan Beutel, Eric Glaser, Ray Cheek, or Chuck McDonough. 

SPECIAL WAYS TO SERVE

   

Join the Elders for weekly prayer at Grace Bible Church every Tuesday night at 7:00 PM. This time together is the foundation of our ministry at GBC. All are welcome, and we hope you’ll come for this special service.

 

How would you like to read scripture for the congregation on Sunday morning? It is a small service with great empowerment by the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword." The reader is supplied with the scripture in ESV. Please let Pastor Jeff Webb or Lisa Collins know if you are interested, or CLICK HERE to sign up!

PASTOR'S PRAYER TEAM

The GBC elders are asking you to join them in praying for our pastor. Pastor Jeff sends out a brief summary of his day's prayer needs throughout the week. If you are willing to commit to praying for him, email Lisa at lcollins@gbcwa.org and let her know to put you on the email list. Thank you in advance for your sacrifice.

Our Website is:

gbcwa.org


Our address is:
Grace Bible Church
1109 S Main St
Washington, IL 61571-2506




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