The Joy of Serving Others
Dr. Jeff Webb
““Serve the LORD with gladness; come before His presence with singing.”
— Psalm 100:2
There’s a strange paradox in the Christian life: the more we pour ourselves out for others, the fuller we become. The world says happiness comes from being served. Jesus says joy comes from serving. And every believer who’s ever given a cup of cold water in His name knows exactly what that means.
Joy in serving isn’t just about doing good deeds; it’s about sharing the heart of God. From Genesis to Revelation, the storyline of Scripture reveals a serving God—one who stoops down, who provides, who heals, who washes feet, who carries a cross. When we serve others, we step into that divine rhythm. We become most like Jesus when our hands are busy blessing someone else.
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Our Confidence Comes From Christ
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Once we receive the names of the families we’ll be helping, we’ll send out a special GBC Connected email with details about the first family’s needs. We’re confident God will use our church family in powerful ways—please begin praying now about how you can serve according to your gifts and abilities.
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Sunday School Hour With the Webb's
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Come hear Bradley and Caitlin Webb share their ministry in Guatemala this coming Sunday, the 12th, at 9:30 am for our SS Missionary Hour in the basement Fellowship Hall.. In September, GBC voted to take on the role as the Webb's sending church and to begin supporting them. This will be the first time they will be talking about their work in person with our congregation. Let's get behind them and get to know them better! (As always, coffee & donuts are available starting at 9 am. Come early and speak to Bradley & Caitlin before their share time begins at 9:30 am.)
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Kids Quest-Tell Your Friends
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Part 2 of “What Happened in the Beginning?” is coming October 8 — we’ll dive even deeper into the incredible story of creation from Genesis 1. If you have (or know) children in Pre-K through 5th grade, we’d love for you to bring them or invite their parents to check out Kids Quest. They’ll hear the Good News and have an unforgettable, totally awesome time!
To RSVP for your children (and their friends), CLICK HERE.
Kids Quest is for kids from Pre-K to 5th Grade and meets 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. A Ministry to Children class and a background check are required to work with children at GBC.
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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Let's go! Mind, body, and spirit for the Lord!
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The Leadership Development Forum is a two-year program meeting once a month with Dr. Pastor Jeff Webb. Currently, the class takes place on Thursday nights at 6:30 PM. This is a friendly reminder for class participants to submit their assignments for this month. The class is currently closed to new attendees, but will reopen after this session concludes.
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Sunday, October 12, at 9:00 AM
Week 5: Peace with God and Assurance
Romans 5:1-21
Key Doctrines: Peace with God, original sin, federal headship
Christianity 102 takes us deeper into our faith and doctrine. Using the Apostle Paul and his Letter to the Romans, we are delving into topics that you might have always wondered about, but were timid to ask about. 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 . All the sessions are highly regarded, but please feel free to pop in any time.
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Join us for a special evening of worship and fellowship! On Sunday, October 19, from 7:00–8:30 PM, GBC will host a Hymn Sing in the sanctuary. Together we’ll lift our voices in timeless hymns of praise, enjoy the richness of our musical heritage, and encourage one another through song.
Whether you’re a long-time hymn lover or simply want to experience the joy of singing with the church family, this evening is for you. Bring your friends, neighbors, and family members—everyone is welcome.
Come ready to request your favorite hymns, celebrate God’s goodness, and be refreshed by the power of worship together!
There will be light refreshments.
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Raising Support on Behalf of Bethany Jeffers
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🌍✨ Want a simple way to make a difference? Pick up a T-shirt in support of our GBC missionary, Bethany Jeffers! All proceeds go directly toward helping youth in Tanzania receive the trauma care and support they need.
The shirts are hanging above the side table in the church foyer—look for the yellow sheet with sizes, prices, and easy instructions to order.
The Deadline to order a shirt is this Sunday!
Your purchase is more than just a shirt—it’s hope and healing for young lives. 💛
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🎉 October is Pastor Appreciation Month! 🎉
This year we get to celebrate Pastor Jeff—our faithful shepherd who has poured his time, energy, and heart into leading us. He’s been here a whole year now, which means… we’re going to expect even more from him! (Just kidding 😉).
In all seriousness, we are so grateful for the care, support, and wise counsel he gives—both in the church and in his home life. Let’s shower him with encouragement this month! If you’d like to drop off a card or snack, feel free to swing by the church anytime, or call ahead if you’d like to bring something to his house.
Let’s make sure Pastor Jeff knows just how much we appreciate him! 💛
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Quiet Actions of Faith Impact the World Around Us
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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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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, Jenny Lehman, 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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 The holiday season can be one of the most difficult times of the year for those who are grieving the loss of a relationship or a loved one. On Wednesday, November 12, from 6:00–8:30 PM, Grace Bible Church will be hosting “Surviving the Holidays”—a special evening designed to encourage and equip individuals who are walking through the pain and challenges of divorce. Whether you’ve already completed our DivorceCare class or you’re currently experiencing separation or divorce, this session will offer practical tools, spiritual support, and a caring environment to help you navigate the holidays with hope and healing. A light meal will be served at 6:00 PM before this two-hour session begins.
In addition, we’re also planning a separate “Surviving the Holidays” event specifically for those who have lost a loved one. This will be held on Wednesday, December 17, from 6:00–8:30 PM. This evening will provide comfort, understanding, and guidance for coping with grief during the holiday season, as well as a safe place to connect with others who understand what you’re going through. A light meal will be served at 6:00 PM for this session as well.
Both evenings are open to anyone in our community who may benefit, and we warmly invite you to join us. Our heart is to come alongside you, offering encouragement and practical help so that you can experience peace, hope, and even moments of joy during the holiday season.
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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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