By Dr. Jeff Webb
You ever notice how unity sounds simple until you try it? Kind of like IKEA instructions — “just place bolt 124 into slot L (SEE DIAGRAM)” — except you’ve got 347 bolts, no slot L, and the diagram looks more like abstract art than an assembly instruction sheet.
End result?
A bed that lists at a 45-degree angle, and 212 bolts left over—a perfect storm of frustration—just enough to send you over the edge.
That’s what church unity can feel like sometimes. On paper, it looks easy. Paul says in Ephesians 4:3, “Be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Great! Done! And then… someone doesn’t like the music, or the color of the carpet, or how long the sermon went. Suddenly, that “bond of peace” feels more like duct tape on a cracked water pipe.
But here’s the deal: unity was never supposed to be easy. If it were, Jesus wouldn’t have had to die for it.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.
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DO YOU KNOW A FAMILY IN THE WASHINGTON AREA WHO IS IN NEED?
There are NO financial requirements. This is about people of all shapes and colors and financial means who need a touch from the Lord. We are Jesus' vessels of compassion and help. If you know of such a family, Go to our website here: www.gbcwa.org/nominate-a-family and fill out the form. The MISSION 3G team will prayerfully consider each request and select the three family units to be served.
Why are we doing this?
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:
1. Financial Compassion
Quiet Generosity: Slip a gift card, cash envelope, or grocery voucher into their hand (or mailbox) without fanfare.
Shared Meals: Invite them over for dinner or bring a warm meal by—food often communicates love more than money.
Practical Aid: Pay a bill directly (utility, rent, gas) when you know they’re struggling.
2. Emotional Support
Be Present: Sometimes the greatest gift is not words but simply sitting with them in their grief or loneliness.
Active Listening: Ask thoughtful questions, then listen without trying to “fix” them.
Encouraging Words: Send handwritten notes, texts, or verses that remind them of God’s nearness and care.
3. Physical Help
Acts of Service: Mow their lawn, shovel snow, wash their car, or run errands when they’re unable.
Transportation: Offer rides to church, doctor appointments, or the grocery store.
Care Packages: Provide practical items like groceries, toiletries, or even a basket of small comforts (tea, blanket, Scripture cards.
4. Practical Spiritual Love
Pray With (Not Just For) Them: Take a moment on the spot to pray, so they hear the love of Jesus spoken over them.
Walk With Them: Invite them into Bible study, worship, or simply to join you in something life-giving.
Share Hope: Gently point them to Christ, reminding them that He knows their pain and is with them in it.
5. Relational Investment
Consistent Check-ins: A weekly call, coffee, or text that says, “I haven’t forgotten you.”
Hospitality: Open your home for fellowship—sometimes being welcomed in is healing.
Celebrate Milestones: Remember birthdays, anniversaries, or other moments that matter when others might overlook them.
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 and online (no names will be given). 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)
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We are celebrating several baptisms this Sunday, August 31!
They are:
Ruth Rusch
Ray Cheek
Mark Helmuth
Evan Rothgeb
Teresa Hunziker
Quinn Hunziker
We are excited to celebrate what God is doing in their lives and in the life of the church. Praise God!!!
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Let's Celebrate Baptism Sunday
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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! Thanks to our trustees, there will be limited seating at round tables on the parsonage lawn.
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: drinks (with lids), cups, plates, and napkins.
🚫 Please skip the crockpots, pies, or baked beans—strictly finger foods folks!
Let’s celebrate, snack, and soak up the joy together! 🥳🌳💦
We'll be playing a variety of games you can participate in, or simply enjoy watching from the comfort of your camping chair, games like:
- HORSESHOES, a must for outdoor picnics!
- BUMPER BALL (daring GBC'ers, inside a 6ft blown-up, rubber ball, bumping and rolling, while trying to kick a soccer ball through a goal. A laugh a minute!!) Not for the faint of heart!
- Five-Foot-High JENGA competition. Don't let the 5-foot tower fall on your turn!
- BUCKET BALL - Put together your two-person team and challenge them to getting two types of balls, into all of the buckets, before you do! Are you up for it!!!
- CORN HOLE - Another classic game, fun for all ages!
- and MORE!
C'MON-JOIN US! This is a GBC potluck on steroids! Don't miss out!
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EQUIPPING CLASSES
Christianity 101 and 102
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Starting Sunday, September 7, at 9:00 AM
Christianity 101 covers all of the fundamental aspects of our Christian faith. But if you are thinking it may be too elementary for you, think again. Seasoned Christians have found this class to be "eye-opening" with many "A-HA" moments. The classes are taught by GBC Elders, mature in their faith, ready to answer your toughest questions.
There are twelve sessions in this class, and you can see a list of them HERE .
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Starting Sunday, September 14, at 9:00 AM
Christianity 102 takes us deeper into our faith and doctrine. Using the Apostle Paul and his Letter to the Romans, we will be delving into topics that you might have always wondered about, but were afraid to ask. Don't miss this chance to hear from the Apostle Paul at his BEST!
There are Twelve Sessions and you can see a list of them HERE .
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Sharing Jesus, Growing Together, & Impacting Our World
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On Saturday, September 20, from 2-4, Cana Lutheran Church in Washington, IL, is hosting an Operation Christmas Child workshop. If anyone is interested, please let Janet Wehnes know so she can meet you there.
CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS
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Also on September 20, from 4 PM to 9:30 PM, Jeff and Lisa Collins will host a wienie roast at Camp Good News for everyone at Grace Bible Church. Join us for this joyful event. There will be ziplining and other high-energy activities that are fun to participate in and watch. Dinner will be served at 5:30 PM. Hot dogs will be provided. Feel free to sign up in the church foyer to help bring food. You are welcome to bring friends. Please sign up on the other roster in the church foyer so we can ensure enough food. CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS.
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The Children's Ministry Leadership Team has been notified that our background checks should have included state-mandated training. We kindly request that anyone who underwent a background check in 2024 or 2025 complete this training and provide the church with a completion certificate. (If you completed this process in 2024 or 2025, you will be receiving an email in the next week.) We have included this link to the free 60-minute training, which includes videos and questions with short tests. Please register, take the training at your leisure (PLEASE complete this by November 15, 2025), and print it out and give it, or email the certificate to Maureen Isenberg. If you need any assistance with this process or have questions, feel free to contact Lynnette Goebel or Maureen Isenberg. Thank you for being so cooperative with this training.
The Children's Ministry Leadership Team (Rebekah Clark, Lynnette Goebel & Maureen Isenberg)
https://mr.dcfstraining.org/Home.action
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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! :-)
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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.
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Calling All Prayer Warriors
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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.
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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. |
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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.
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Author's Contributions Welcome
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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.
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