Laugh, For God's Sake...And Yours! Michelle Hicks
Dr. Jeff Webb
One of my favorite friends happens to be a Christian Comedian. His name is Ken Davis. You can see one of his performances here:
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I first met Ken while taking a master class on public speaking from him in Nashville, Tennessee. His insight and coaching were invaluable to me, especially because of my penchant for analyzing things, sharing that analysis with others, while slowly watching them fade off into the distance.
More importantly, over time, Ken has helped me to laugh…out loud. How invigorating and life changing that continues to be even today. He helped me to see that God is the author of laughter. We can rightly imagine him laughing in Heaven. Yes, he is spirit and so he doesn’t have a mouth like we do, but he can feel the emotion of laughter, just as he can any other emotion such as joy, anger, sadness, happiness, frustration.
Michelle Hicks is the managing editor for Journey devotional magazine with Lifeway Women. I ran across her article entitled The Importance of Laughter while researching for this writing. I really appreciated what she had to say, and I think you will too.
~Jeff How can laughter be a gift from God? Learn more by CLICKING HERE.
MISSION 3G
Grace Bible Church's mission is Sharing Jesus, Growing Together, Impacting Our World. Here's your chance to do all three at one time! What is Mission 3G?
Mission 3G is GBCs first major foray into reaching our community for Christ in quite some time. We hope to accomplish that by:
Adopting one family (single or multiple members) for each month of the mission, from October-December (3 families in total).
Each month, we will seek to understand the needs of that family and fulfill them to the best of our ability throughout the month.
The words we will be guided by while carrying out our mission are:
GRACE - We will offer ourselves to them, sharing the grace of God as he has given us; GIVING - We will sacrifice, as necessary, to help fulfill the needs of others so that God's love may shine through our giving; GOSPEL - In every encounter with the family, we will prepare ourselves, however necessary, to share the hope we found only through the gospel.
Throughout each month, we will share with one another how God used us, individually, to take love to our adopted family.
It's that simple!
Here's where you come in.
We have all been given gifts by God for us to share. Some of us see our gift expressed by apple pie baking and giving. Others through service projects. Yet, others express their gift of sharing the gospel in many other unique ways, like:
Putting your testimony in with something you give to the family, giving them hope for their future;
Asking them to hear your testimony, perhaps, as you are fixing their stove, or cleaning their kitchen;
While supporting them in their grief;
While babysitting their children or animals.
There are endless possibilities, limited only by your imagination and your willingness to submit yourself to God in this opportunity. Let's share with them a little bit of God's love being shown "abundantly above all we can think or imagine."
It's time for us, Grace Bible Church, to be active in our faith, and grow in our service to God and others, beyond the walls of our church building. This is our opportunity to really be a light that shines bright in Washington.
Once we ascertain the needs of the first family, we will post them in the foyer. You will be able to share what God has prompted you to do privately online or on the bulletin board. But, let us remember, our giving is not limited to what they ask for. Let's ask God for additional ways to "bless their socks off." 😁
Will you prayerfully and joyfully join us? This is your chance to live out your faith in a special way and truly be the hands, feet, and voice of Jesus.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16, ESV)
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:” (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,” (Hebrews 10:24, ESV)
Singles Picnic Dinner at India Fest
Join us for an exciting and culturally stimulating evening designed exclusively for singles on Friday, August 16. We will meet at the church at 6:00 pm to carpool to the Riverfront. It's sure to be a night of connection, laughter, and community. Entrance is free. Food is separate. Please sign up here.
Washington Bicentennial Worship Celebration
A group from Grace Bible Church is attending this event. If you would like to join, but need a ride, please let Pastor Jeff know.
Join Shawn Degenhart and the GospelFest Singers and Choir for the "Washington Bicentennial Worship Celebration!" On Saturday, August 23, 7 p.m., the rafters at Five Points will be ringing with hymns and worship songs as we celebrate the Lord’s faithfulness… songs like “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” and “The Goodness of God.” Executive Director of RHMA, Adam Kipp, chairman of the Washington Ministerial Association, will deliver a short devotional reflecting on the Lord’s goodness to us. This is a free event, and a love offering will be taken.
This event is hosted by the Washington Ministerial Association, Washington Chamber of Commerce, and GospelFest Ministries, as part of Washington’s Bicentennial Celebration.
Ministry to Children
The VBS Team would like to thank everyone who volunteered to craft, cut, decorate, donate food and children's snacks, glue, paint, pray, tear down, and serve during the week of VBS. We had twenty-seven children attend VBS. We would also like to thank those who donated money for school supplies for the local elementary schools.
The total collected was $376.63. Two hundred thirty-four items were purchased on August 7 and the items were delivered to Central Primary and Lincoln Grade Schools on August 11. (District 50 received items from a collection at Washington State Bank.) Each item had a sticker, like the one portrayed in the image above, on it.
Maureen
Kids Quest is back! 🎉 Starting September 10, we’re kicking off a brand-new adventure with the theme: “What Happened in the Beginning?” We’ll be exploring the amazing story of creation from Genesis 1:1—a perfect way to spark wonder and curiosity in young hearts.
Kids Quest is for kids from Pre-K to 5th Grade and will meet once a month on the second Wednesday through April 2026. We’d love for you to be part of it! If you’d like to join the fun and help make a difference in kids’ lives, SIGN UP HERE or chat with Maureen Isenberg.
Through engaging Bible teaching, building strong friendships, and sharing the good news of Jesus, Kids Quest helps kids grow in faith and love for God. Let’s also be praying together—that each child who comes will see God’s goodness and experience His love in a personal way.
Letter to the Editor
August 12, 2025 From Dan Beutal, GBC Member and Chairman of the Trustees
The following is a text sent to me from a friend of mine in Indianapolis, IN, named Gary. I thought it would be valuable to share it with others in the church:
My pastor on Sunday urged the congregation to think about forgiveness to those who have wounded us deeply. Not that it will change those who have done the wounding, but that it will change US from the inside out.
If you have ever been involved in church ministry, you know the potential for strong words and dark emotions and personal hurt. I was once shocked to be offered to the church a “bribe” of a substantial amount of money. If only, as church chairman, I would support the parishioner’s view on church construction. The scales of justice were being bent to accommodate this man’s wishes.
We are indeed naive and “dumb ox’s” if we believe that church walls keep out sinful and selfish behavior among Believers!
Take a long look at Psalm 73:21-22. “Then I realized that my heart was torn up and bitter inside. I was foolish and ignorant, like a dumb ox.”
Now, in the verses afterwards in Psalm 73 God’s mercy is shown to us. And we should rejoice in that.
But admitting the bitterness and hurt that others do to us, especially by other Believers, that is harder than trying to blast a dead tree stump out of the ground. We are merely “provoked”, or “upset”. We have “righteous anger” or some other pious sounding word. Because then we don’t admit how deep the hurt and pain runs inside.
I am at my best when I admit my worst. Then the healing is deeper and forgiveness is more complete. And more sincere.
Are you “bitter inside and torn up” this morning? Are you willing to admit how deep that wound goes? To yourself and Jesus? Are you willing to do something about it, to be healed?
Would you like to send a letter to the editor for publication? If so, please submit your letter to editor@gbcwa.org . We can’t promise when it might run, but we will acknowledge receipt of it.
Quiet Moments
Join us each week as Eric leads us in a time of prayer and worship.
We gather every Tuesday at 7:00 PM in the Timothy classroom.
If you haven't been a part of our time together, perhaps the Lord will make a way for you next week. Remember, prayer is the foundation, the backbone, and the mark of a spiritually healthy church and Christian.
Come with open hearts and a spirit of expectation—all are welcome.
Our next GBC women's Bible study is "Heaven" by Jennifer Rothschild. In this 13-session video-based study, Jennifer Rothschild explores the subject of Heaven from a biblical perspective. She will separate what’s true about Heaven from what’s based on legend, media depictions, and hopeful guesses. This will start at GBC on Wednesday, September 3. You are welcome to join at any time, but please let us know if you plan to attend so we can order books. Please click here if you are interested in or planning to attend. See Bev Webb with questions.
Please Take Note
The Instant Church Directory is a valuable tool for Grace Bible Church, and we would like to transition to using it exclusively instead of using a paper directory. This DOES NOT mean you can't get a printed directory if you like. Part of the reason for doing this is the amount of time it takes to publish the directory at the end of each year. The Instant Church Directory can be updated anytime, unlike the current twice-per-year schedule. It also contains more information, such as profile pictures, birthdays, and anniversaries. Additionally, it links to Google Maps so you can easily get directions when visiting someone or gathering with friends. In addition to this, we can search for names, and save on paper and ink! Regardless, we want to know if anyone would still like a paper directory. If so, please contact Lisa in the church office at lcollins@gbcwa.org by the beginning of September. If we don't hear from you by then, we will assume you've gone "techno" with us! :-)
Baptism Class Video Training
Ready to take the next step of obedience? 💧
If baptism is something you're curious about—or if you've already decided you're ready—we’d love to walk with you on this amazing step of faith!
There will be a baptism class, taught online or by download made available for all who sign up. You’ll learn why baptism matters, and how it affects your walk with Christ. A private appointment with Pastor Jeff is available, at your convenience after the class has been taken for any questions you may have.
📝 Please SIGN UP HERE to let us know you’re interested.
📅 The Baptism video will be available on August 24. A link will be sent out to all of those wishing to attend.
After watching the Baptism video to prepare for August 31, Pastor Jeff would also like to review your testimonies in advance. The Baptism video explains how to prepare them. Testimonies should be emailed to Pastor Jeff (jwebb@gbcwa.org) by no later than Wednesday, August 27. Come dive deeper into your faith—we can’t wait to see what God’s doing in your life! 🌊
Let's Celebrate Baptisms with a Picnic Party!
Bring your lawn chairs or a cozy blanket and join us on the north lawn at 11:30 AM for a joyful picnic celebration following the baptisms that will take place during the August 31 worship service!
We’re keeping it simple and snacky—think picnic-style potluck! No need to sign up—just bring one of the following (cut, wrapped, or ready to grab & go):
🥪 A sandwich platter (cut into quarters)
🍟 A big bag of chips
🍎 A bag of apples
🍌 A bunch of bananas
🍪 Two dozen individually wrapped finger-food desserts
✨ Got a family of 3 or more? Bring two of the above items to share!
The church will cover the essentials: water, lemonade, cups, plates, and napkins.
🚫 Please skip the crockpots, pies, or baked beans—strictly finger foods only, folks!
Let’s celebrate, snack, and soak up the joy together! 🥳🌳💦
Are You Photo Shy?
Sharing your image as a participant in one of GBCs services or events is a great way to share the love of Christ, and your commitment to his church. While we would love for everyone to share their image while being a part of a GBC event, we recognize that some may not wish for this to happen. In that case, we want to be sensitive to your wishes. Please let Lisa Collins know if that is the case.
Calling All Prayer Warriors
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 gbc@wordsofgrace.org and let her know to put you on the email list. Thank you in advance for your sacrifice.
An Offering of Worship
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 or Lisa Collins know if you are interested, or CLICK HERE to sign your name and suggest a few dates you are currently available.
One of the great joys, being a child of God, is we get to manage his money. Whether you are tithing or 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 l 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.
Author's Contributions Welcome
Everyone is welcome to contribute church sanctioned announcements in the bulletin and the GBC Connected. If you would like to contribute, please take note that the deadline for submissions is at 4:30 pm, Tuesday evening before it is to appear publicly.
August 12, 2025
