| | | | | |
We human beings have an intense need to know “whatever happened” to certain people and things.
You can be sitting peacefully in your living room when suddenly someone says, “Whatever happened to that actor who played the neighbor on that show we watched fifteen years ago?”
And now you have to know.
You weren't thinking about him thirty seconds ago. You haven't thought about him since 2011. You weren't even particularly fond of the character. But now there is absolutely no possibility of continuing with your evening until somebody finds out.
So out comes the phone.
Five minutes later you've learned that he left acting, moved to Montana, raises alpacas, sells handmade furniture on Etsy, and appeared in an annoying insurance commercial in 2017.
And somehow, you feel better.
Mystery solved.
We do something similar with things that once seemed to be everywhere and then quietly disappeared. Telephone booths. Paper maps. That little retractable cord that used to connect the telephone handset to the kitchen wall. And, for many Christians, we might add another item to the list:
Whatever happened to the Sabbath?
TO READ MORE CLICK HERE. | | | |
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.
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.
| | | |
Join Us for Breakfast!
On the first Tuesday of every month at 8:30 AM, our 55+ crew heads to Washington Family Restaurant for a warm meal and even warmer fellowship—and you’re invited!
Not quite 55? No problem! Everyone is welcome to come share in the fun, the laughter, and the joy of community. It’s the perfect way to start your morning—with friends, food, and faith-filled conversation.
We’d love to see you there!
See Tom & Kay Lockard with questions.
| | | |
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.
Ladies, you can pick up your book on Sunday morning or stop by the church office anytime during working hours after Thursday, October 2. | | | |
All GBC ladies are welcome to join the Ladies Workday on Thursday, October 8, from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM. The ladies will organize supplies in the Fellowship Hall resource room so items are easy to find for Sunday School, Children's Church, Youth, VBS, etc. If you have questions, please see Maureen Isenberg. | | | |
An 8-Week Journey Through the Essentials of ChristianityNEW! Starting Sunday, October 25, 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. | | | |
Please join us on Sunday, October 25, during Donut Time from 9:00–9:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall as we celebrate the retirement of our Adult Sunday School Class leader, Jerry Isenberg.
We are grateful for his many years of faithful service, thoughtful teaching, and the way he has encouraged and inspired so many in our church family. While he is retiring from this role, he will continue teaching the Men’s Bible Study on Wednesday mornings from 9:30–11:00 AM.
Please stop by to thank him and help us honor the meaningful impact he has made. Cards or written notes of encouragement are also welcome as a way to share your appreciation for his faithful ministry.
| |
We are delighted to welcome our new members into the Grace Bible Church family! On Sunday, October 25, Pastor Jeff will recognize them during the worship service, and afterward our entire church family is invited to celebrate together with a potluck at 11:45 AM in the fellowship hall. We hope you’ll join us as we warmly welcome, encourage, and celebrate the newest members of our church family!
We are looking for five people to provide a meat dish serving at least 15 people. Those bringing meat only need to bring that one dish. We ask everyone else to bring two dishes of your choice to serve at least 12 people. Options include: Potato dish Hot vegetable Cold vegetable salad Cold fruit salad Dessert
If you can provide a meat dish, please sign up by October 18 so we can be sure to have plenty of food. We also need two volunteers to help in the kitchen. If you would like to bring meat or serve as a kitchen helper, please CLICK HERE to sign up. If you have any questions please contact Kay Lockard: 309-678-5866.
Let’s fill the fellowship hall with good food, warm welcomes, and the joy of celebrating those who are making GBC their church home! | | | |
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 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. | |
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 | | | |
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.
Today, September 30, is the last day to donate material for the September Bible Drive.
Please place your donated items in the closet with the sliding doors in the sanctuary. If you have questions, please contact Dave & Marsha Markas. | | | |
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. | | | |
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.
| | | | | |
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.
| | | |
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. | | | |
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.
| |
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. 
| |
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
|
|
| | | | | | | |
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
