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By Jeff Webb Most people assume faith should make life easier. Follow God. Trust Christ. Do the right things. Then life should be smooth as silk, right? That assumption quietly slips into our thinking even if we would never say it out loud. But when we open the Bible, we quickly discover something that ushers us right back to Earth: Faith never was meant to remove suffering. In some cases, it even invites it. And yet—here is the paradox of the Christian life— the same faith that may lead us into suffering is also the faith that sustains us through it and ultimately redeems it. Scripture presents faith not as an escape from suffering, but as the lens through which suffering is viewed and transformed. Faith Can Lead Us Into the Furnace Few stories illustrate this better than the account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3. King Nebuchadnezzar erected a massive golden image on the plains of Dura and commanded that every person bow down and worship it. The punishment for refusing was terrifying: anyone who would not bow would be thrown into a blazing furnace. When the king learned that these three Jewish men refused to bow, he summoned them and offered them one final opportunity. Their response stands as one of the most remarkable declarations of faith in all of Scripture: “If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace… and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” (Daniel 3:17–18) Notice the strength of their faith.
They were confident that God could save them.
But their faith did not depend on whether He would.
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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! | | | |
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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You won't believe how much fun Hot Soup Lunch is until you come see for yourself! 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 Chicken n' Dumplings and Beefy Vegetable. 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! | | | | | | | | 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. Don't miss out on this invaluable opportunity to learn and share. | | | |
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.
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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! | | | | | |
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!
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.
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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. | | | | | |
Save the date for this year's Bike Rodeo: Thursday, May 21! | | | | | |
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. | | | | | |
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.
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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 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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