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“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:16–17, ESV)
I have always enjoyed watching the way a trellis works. God provided trellises long ago as an object lesson for my walk with him. It becomes more meaningful as the years go by.
Let me explain.
For a time, I lived in the wine capital of the US, Napa Valley, California. Vinyards are everywhere, featuring grapes of every kind and purpose. But they all have one thing in common, they all grow on a trellis structure.
A trellis does not create grapes, let alone wine or grape juice. It does not cause a vine to sprout, stretch, flower, or bear fruit. The life is in the vine itself, not the trellis.
But the trellis gives that life structure. It plays a critical role in the success of the grape vine.
It gives the vine something upon which to climb. It gives direction to its growth. It keeps the branches from sprawling across the ground, becoming tangled, broken, or choked. It causes the fruit to be easily accessed. It provides support so that the vine can become what it was created to become.
That may be one of the best pictures I know for understanding the order of God. God is not a God of chaos. He does not create randomly, govern haphazardly, or make up the rules as He goes along. From the opening lines of Genesis to the closing chapters of Revelation, Scripture reveals a God who brings order, establishes boundaries, creates rhythms, assigns responsibilities, and moves history toward a purposeful conclusion.
Paul says plainly: “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” —1 Corinthians 14:33
And again: “But all things should be done decently and in order.” —1 Corinthians 14:40
Order is not merely something God prefers.
TO READ MORE CLICK HERE
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An 8-Week Journey Through the Essentials of ChristianityStarting Sunday, October 4, at 9:00 AM. Christianity 101 is where the journey begins.
The Christianity 100 Series is designed as a three-part pathway for anyone who wants to build a strong, thoughtful, lived-out Christian faith. Christianity 101 introduces the foundations of our faith. Christianity 102: What Christians Believe takes us deeper into the essential truths Christians hold. And Christianity 103: Christian Living asks the wonderfully practical question: Now that I believe these things, how should I live?
In Christianity 101, we'll spend eight weeks exploring the questions every Christian needs to understand: What is Christianity? Why can we trust the Bible? Who is God? Who is Jesus? What is the Gospel? What does it mean to follow Christ? Why do prayer, worship, baptism, Communion, and the Church matter? And what does it mean to live on mission with God? Whether you're a new believer, have questions about Christianity, or have followed Jesus for years but would like to strengthen your foundation, Christianity 101 is for you.
No advanced theological vocabulary required. No embarrassing questions. No pretending you already know something you don't.
Just bring your Bible, your questions, and a willingness to grow. Eight weeks. One foundation. A lifetime of following Jesus. | |
Grace Bible Church is launching new assistive listening devices for Sunday morning services, paid for by the Kelly Stewart Memorial. Beginning this Sunday, September 20th, we will offer service sound via Bluetooth on your smartphone with the Listen WIFI app. You will be able to stream the audio from your smartphone to a connected headphone or hearing aid. (Note: the app works best if you turn off hearing aid microphones; otherwise, there is a slight echo.)
You will need to be on the Grace Bible Wi-Fi and have the Listen WIFI app from Listen Technologies on your phone.
In the coming weeks, we will also have packs that you can plug headphones into. The church will have ear cups (single-ear headphones) and T-coil neckloops available, but it might be more comfortable to bring in your own headphones.
If you have any questions, please see Jack Clark | | | |
We would like to inform you that the Prayer meetings will continue to be held on Tuesdays at 7:00 PM. Please join us! | | | |
Each September, GBC joins WPEO in holding a special collection for Love Packages, a ministry that sends donated Bibles and Christian literature to missionaries and Christian workers around the world.
Materials we can use include: Bibles, Reference materials, Christian books, Magazines, daily devotionals, and tracts, Sunday school materials, CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays, Puppets, nativity sets, and similar ministry materials.
Please place your donated items in the closet with the sliding doors in the sanctuary. If you have questions, please contact Dave & Marsha Markas. | | | |
Dear Brother and Sisters at GBC,
Jaquoi and I would like to thank you for the opportunity to come and share about what God is doing at Empower Life Center. It was such a joy to fellowship and worship with you and your church family.
Thank you so much for the generous donations you gathered for the Center. We are excited to be able to share these gifts with the families we serve, and we know they will be a blessing to many.
Thank you also for your prayers and continued support of the ministry. We are so grateful for your partnership and for the opportunity to serve our community together for the sake of Christ.
A few of you asked for info about the fundraiser for the new ultrasound machine, check out this link: https://give.pathwaypeoria.org/campaign/839121/donate
Together in Christ, Allison | | | |
The Mission 3G Committee met last Sunday, and we are excited to begin serving our community! This year’s team is led by Ray and Lee Anne Cheek, Lisa Koski, Cheri Muller, and Jason Zobrist.
The goal of Mission 3G is to graciously meet the needs of others in our community by giving our time, talents, and finances—all while living out the Gospel and shining the light of Christ.
We will begin serving our first family in October, so now is the time to send in your nominations! If you know an individual or family who could use some extra support and encouragement, please CLICK HERE to nominate them for Mission 3G.
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Join us for Church Workday Thursdays beginning September 3 from 12:30–3:30 PM!
This week, with our custodians out of town, we will clean the church. Everyone is welcome—come and go as you please!
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Everyone is welcome to join us for our Congregational Meeting on Sunday, September 20, in the sanctuary following the morning worship service. You do not need to be a member to attend, but only members may vote. This meeting is an opportunity to hear important updates, learn more about what is happening at Grace Bible Church, and stay connected to the life and direction of our church. We encourage everyone who considers GBC their church home to join us.
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David and Lisa Nuest faithfully lead our youth on Sunday evenings and during the Sunday School hour. We are looking for someone to serve alongside them by teaching Youth Sunday School on Sunday mornings from 9:30–10:15 AM. If you have a heart for helping young people grow in their faith, please speak with Dave Nuest or Pastor Jeff.
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Ladies, let’s get together! Join us at The Blend on Saturday, September 26, at 9:00 AM for a relaxed morning of warm drinks, sweet fellowship, and good conversation. Come for the coffee, stay for the company—and feel free to invite a friend!
The Blend
1130 Peoria St., Washington, IL 61571
BYOC (Buy Your Own Coffee/Tea) | | | |
Interested in Becoming a Member of GBC?
Membership in a local church body is as old as the Old Testament. Members of Grace Bible Church are members of a family, not names on a list. We answer God's call to worship together, pray together, grow together, serve our community and one another together, and carry the responsibility as a family member to support the church and its people using the resources God has placed in our care.
Membership classes will begin Sunday, September 27, at 9:00 AM and continue for four Sundays through October 18. These classes are a great opportunity to learn more about Grace Bible Church, what we believe, and what church membership means. Going through the classes doesn't obligate you to apply for membership. So come and see how God is using GBC in Washington and the world.
If you are interested in attending, please SIGN UP HERE, on the bulletin board in the foyer at church, or contact us at gbc@gbcwa.org or 309-444-4147. | | | |
Join the Women of Grace for The Gospel on the Ground by Kristi McLelland! Choose the session that works best for you: Wednesdays from 6:30–8:00 PM beginning October 7, or Saturdays from 10:30 AM–12:00 PM beginning October 10; both going for 7 weeks. Both groups will meet in the GBC Timothy classroom.
The book costs $24.99. If the cost is a concern, the church will gladly cover it—please don’t let the cost keep you from joining us! CLICK HERE or sign up on the bulletin board by October 1 so we can order enough books. | | | | | |
This Is My StoryGod has been faithful in each of our lives, and every story of His faithfulness is worth sharing. As you read each other's stories under this banner headline, we hope it causes you to think about your own story. Where have you seen God's provision, faithfulness, mercy, or grace along your journey?
And please don't let the thought of writing intimidate you! Your story doesn't need to be long, polished, or perfectly worded. It simply needs to be yours. We have volunteers who will help you edit and craft the perfect story, if you would like. Remember, even Paul and Peter had others do the actual writing of their letters. If God has done something in your life that could encourage someone else, we would love to help you put it into words.
Have a story to share? Simply reply to this email. We would be honored to help you share what God has done.
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Sometimes a small project can make a big difference.
Maybe someone in our GBC family needs a hand with a repair, a household project, some yard work, or another task that would be easier with a little help. And maybe someone else has just the time, skills, or willing hands to help make it happen.
Everyone has something to give, and from time to time, everyone has something they need.
GBC Connected is a place where we can bring those two things together—using our time and skills to bless one another, meet practical needs, and strengthen the relationships within our church family.
Honor. Serve. Build Community.
If you have a small project you could use some help with—or if you have some spare time and would be willing to help someone else—CLICK HERE to let us know. Together, we can take care of one another and reflect the love of Christ in practical ways. | | | |
The GBC Official Board has approved sealing our church parking lot, a much-needed maintenance project that will help preserve our facilities and provide a safe, welcoming environment for our church family and guests.
The final cost for our parking lot sealing project is $15,670. To date, we have raised $1,550.00. We still need your help to fund this urgent project so that we don't have to use ministry funds to pay for it.
If the Lord has blessed you and you would like to help with this project, we invite you to prayerfully consider giving a special offering above and beyond your regular tithe. Every gift, regardless of size, will help us move toward completing this important improvement.
If you would like your gift designated specifically for the parking lot sealing project, please note "Parking Lot" on your check or giving envelope.
Thank you for your faithful generosity and for partnering together as we care for the resources God has entrusted to Grace Bible Church. | | | |
The holiday season can be especially difficult when you are grieving the loss of a loved one. Join us on Saturday, October 24, from 6:00–8:00 PM in the Grace Bible Church Fellowship Hall, located at 1109 S. Main St., Washington, IL 61571, for GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays. This free, one-time event is open to anyone grieving the death of a loved one, whether the loss was recent or occurred some time ago.
Come receive practical guidance, encouragement, and hope in a caring environment while enjoying a dessert bar. Both GBC attendees and members of our community are warmly invited. CLICK HERE to sign up. Please contact Lisa Collins at 309-444-4147 with any questions. | | | |
We’re grateful for the many members continuing to serve on the Grace Kids Team and invite others to prayerfully consider joining the team. As our ministry grows, additional volunteers are needed. Membership commitments are for one year, with the option to renew.
If you'd like to learn more about serving, please review the Grace Kids Team Member details BY CLICKING HERE and reach out to Pastor Jeff or Maureen Isenberg with any questions. You can CLICK HERE IF YOU ARE INTERESTED.
Thank you for your continued support—we look forward to all God will do through Grace Kids! | | | |
As God continues to grow Grace Bible Church, we're thankful for the opportunity to welcome new people into our church family. One way you can help us serve the congregation each week is by joining the Worship Team.
If you have a heart for worship and God has gifted you in singing or playing an instrument, we'd love to talk with you. Our desire is to lead others in worship with humility, excellence, and a heart that points people to Christ.
If you're interested in learning more, please speak with Pastor Jeff. We'd be glad to talk with you about the Worship Team—or help you discover another place where God has gifted you to serve. Every member of the body has an important role, and we'd love to help you find yours.
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit... To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." — 1 Corinthians 12:4, 7 | | | |
Pastor Jeff is making the slides he has created for each sermon each week available to anyone. If you would like to receive a copy of those slides in your email the week after the service, simply click HERE and provide us with the email address where you would like for them to be sent. If you need copies of previous sermon slides, please let us know by sending us an email at gbc@gbwcwa.org.
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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. - Through the Church website under the "GIVE" TAB (drop-down menu) on the HOME page.
- By simply CLICKING HERE and then choosing the fund you would like to give to.
- 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. 
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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! | | | |
The GBC elders are asking you to join them in praying for our pastor. Pastor Jeff often sends out a brief summary of his day's prayer needs by email. 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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