PAUSE AND REFLECT

By Pastor Jeff Webb

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7, ESV)

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:1–2, ESV)

We live in a noisy world.
Not just the kind of noise that comes from car horns, notifications, and 24-hour news, but the inner noise of constant striving — the low hum of worry, fear, and the feeling that we’re somehow always behind. It’s hard to find peace when life feels like an endless sprint. Yet Scripture assures us that peace — real, lasting, soul-level peace — is not a myth or a mirage. It’s a promise.

When Paul wrote to the Philippians, he spoke of “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.” (Philippians 4:7) Notice that phrase — “of God.” This isn’t the peace we make or maintain; it’s the peace God gives. And yet, there’s another side to peace that we often overlook — peace with God. Paul uses that exact phrase in Romans 5:1: “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Those two verses — one about peace with God and the other about the peace of God — form the foundation of all true spiritual calm. They describe two dimensions of peace that every believer can experience:

Peace with God — our positional peace.
The peace of God — our practical peace.

Let’s pause and reflect on both.

TO READ MORE CLICK HERE

O.C.C. PROJECTS

Project #1- put toothbrush in a holder

Project #2- prepack items on index card in picture

Project #3- come to church Thursday 1-3 and help prepack containers with small items

Whoever volunteers for Project #1 or 2, I will bring to you to do in comfort of your home!

Remember, no toothpaste or medicated anything.

Also it is helpful if you take items out of what they are packaged in. These countries don't have trash pick up service!

Thanks for your help.

Janet Wehnes

Text me at 309-573-9920

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.

S.H.A.P.E. Test

Designed for a Purpose: Discovering Your S.H.A.P.E. in God’s Plan
Have you ever stopped to consider that God designed you on purpose, for a purpose? Long before you took your first breath, God wired your personality, passions, abilities, and experiences to fit perfectly into His plan for your life. You are not an accident—you are an intentional creation of the Master Designer.
The Body Needs Every Part
The apostle Paul wrote, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27). The Church is not a building—it’s a living body made up of many parts. Each part is unique, necessary, and divinely equipped to serve. When one part fails to function, the whole body feels the loss. But when every believer understands and uses their God-given shape, the body becomes strong, healthy, and effective in fulfilling Christ’s mission.
Discovering Your S.H.A.P.E.
At Grace Bible Church, we encourage every member to discover how God has uniquely formed them through the S.H.A.P.E. process:

TO READ MORE CLICK HERE:

TO GO DIRECTLY TO THE S.H.A.P.E. TEST CLICK HERE.

IT'S GO TIME

The Mission 3G met with the director of My Sister's House. One family is a young mom (19) with a baby, and the other is a single woman (40s) who is struggling.

Their spoken needs are as follows:

Fuel gift cards

Grocery gift cards

Money card (to help with insurance/auto payments)

Coffee gift card

Movie gift card

Gift cards (any type)

In addition, My Sister's House has needs in general and they are as follows:

Household items

Paper goods

Changing supplies

Trash bags

Laundry supplies

Foundational Principles of MISSION 3G

Serve with dignity – Never shame or pity. Treat these women as image-bearers, not projects.
Consistency over intensity – One visit is charity. Ongoing care is ministry.
Relational before material – The greatest need is not more stuff — it's hope, connection, and Christ.
Keep Gospel central – Serve in a way that naturally opens doors for conversations about Christ.

Hands-On Service Ideas

1. Practical Weekly Support

Meal Train – Deliver meals 2–3 times a week.
Baby Supplies Team (for 19yo mom) – Rotate delivery of diapers, wipes, formula, etc.
Transportation Team – Rides to job interviews, church, grocery store, and appointments.
Laundry & Cleaning Help – Provide cleaning supplies and once-a-week cleaning support.
Car Care Ministry – Oil changes, gas cards + shared rides for those without cars.

2. Relational/Emotional Support

"Adopt-a-Friend" ministry – One church member commits to weekly coffee & check-in.
Care Teams of Three – Triads from church rotate relational support and prayer.
Encouragement Mailbox – Cards/letters of hope delivered weekly.
Mom Mentorship – An experienced mom mentors the 19yo mom.
Life Coaching – Budgeting help, resumes, job readiness training.

3. Skills & Development

Budgeting and Stewardship Class – Teach financial literacy biblically.
Cooking on a Budget Nights – Teach cheap, healthy recipes together.
Bible-Based Parenting Workshop – Teach biblical parenting gently.
Career Help – Resume writing + job interview prep.
GED/College Track Support – Volunteers tutor or help apply for school.

4. Acts of Kindness

Birthday Party in a Box – Decorations, cake ingredients, gift for child or mom.
Baby Blessing Basket – 30 handwritten prayers + practical items.
Home Starter Kits – Kitchen starter set when they get housing.
Gas Station Attendant Day – Fill their gas tank and pray with them.

5. Gospel-Centered Outreach

Host a “Hope Night” – Worship + testimony + dinner at the shelter.
Prayer Walks at the Shelter – Intercede weekly as a church team.
Women’s Bible Study at the Shelter – Simple, safe, loving teaching (Book of John).
Church Pick-Up Team – Offer warm, joyful rides to Sunday service.
Hope Journals – Provide Bibles + journals + devotional bookmarks.

For the 19-Year-Old Mom Specifically

Mom & Me Outing – Park day + conversation + picnic.
New Mom Support Group – Baby care teaching and prayer circle.
Faith Milestones – Introduce dedication, pray over her child as a church family.
Babysitting Team – Give her breaks to job hunt or rest.

For the 40-Year-Old Single Woman

Friendship Visits – Social isolation is real at shelters; show consistent presence.
Let Her Serve Too – Invite her to participate in small acts of ministry.
Bible Reading Buddy – Read Scripture together once a week.
Life Purpose Coaching – Help her rediscover talents and spiritual gifts.

Involving the Entire Church

Kids Can:

Draw encouragement cards
Pack snack bags or hygiene kits
Memorize Scripture to share with the women

Youth Can:

Babysit
Tutor
Teach tech skills

Men Can:

Car repair, moving help, job mentorship
Grill night fellowship for both women & staff

Women Can:

Hospitality visits
Mentoring
Bible study outreach

Spiritual Impact

Don’t miss the opportunity to:

Share your testimony, written or verbal (Revelation 12:11).
Offer prayer at every encounter; or, if you are writing a card offer a prayer in that.
Help connect them to the local church family.
Invite them to Christ-centered relationships, not just programs.

As the Lord leads gift cards and other gifts and cards can be dropped off at church. If you would like to donate items to My Sister's House, you are welcome to drop off items at 511 Walnut St. Washington, IL 61571 or bring them to the church. To call ahead, call 309-634-1983. You may find God leading you to do or give something special to one of these two ladies. Coordinate those with Pastor Jeff or the MISSION 3G Comittee: Ray & LeeAnne Cheek and Lisa Nuest

(mission3g@gbcwa.org) . To find out more about Mission 3G check out our website gbcwa.org/mission-3g

COME WE NOW

Anyone who would like to join the Webb's for a thanksgiving potluck is welcome. The Webb's will be hosting at their home 604 Eilers Ct. Washington, IL 61571 on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. If you are interested please SIGN UP HERE or in the church foyer on Sunday. If you sign up online Lisa will transfer your name to the sign up in the foyer so we keep an accurate list.

KIDS QUEST-INVITE YOUR FRIENDS!

Part 3 of “What Happened in the Beginning?” is coming November 12 — 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.

TRUE FRIENDSHIP STARTS WITH KNOWING JESUS

Here is a letter to the editor from Dan Beutel. "This is from a friend of mine in Peoria. I thought you might appreciate it."~Dan: Subject: TRUE FRIENDSHIP
How many true Christian friends do you have? At first, lots of names may come to mind, but the longer you think about it, that number will likely dwindle. Many of us do not have a great quantity of genuine friends—the ones who remain loyal no matter what.
This dependable, intimate closeness is what the Lord wants for us, but it’s a rare treasure.

The biblical account of David and Jonathan (1 Sam. 18:1-30; 1 Sam. 19:1-24; 1 Sam. 20:1-42) can help us learn how to foster such a relationship. Their story demonstrates that genuine friendships are built upon a foundation of mutual respect, love, and authentic commitment.

For true friendship, there must be appreciation by both parties of the other’s godly qualities. This starts with an attitude of valuing all people, knowing that they were created in God’s image and are loved by Him. But at the same time, the regard that David and Jonathan displayed toward one another was greater than mere respect; it revealed admiration for the attributes each had that were commended in Scripture.

Consider your friends. Do they exhibit godly characteristics that you respect? And do they, in turn, have admiration for the biblical qualities they see in you? This mutual respect is a necessary foundation for genuine friendship.

Romans 12:9-13 NKJV
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

Sunday, October 26, at 9:00 AM

Week 6: Dying to Sin, Alive in Christ

Romans 6:1-23

Key Doctrines: Sanctification, union with Christ, obedience

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.

MISSION MOMENT

Heart of IL-Youth for Christ with ED, Dan Learned of Washington, oversees Campus Life at seven Peoria area high schools and two middle schools. (They are not at WCHS since they do not overlap or compete with Young Life-Central IL here.) Their other ministries are far-reaching: City Life engages youth in Bloomington & Peoria; Deaf Teen Quest; the Juvenile Justice Ministry, which focuses on youth-serving institutions; and YFC Camp. They strive not only to bring youth to Christ but also to mentor them to become lifelong followers of Christ.

FOLLOW UP WORK DAY

This Saturday, October 25, from 8:30 AM to Noon, GBC is having a follow-up work day. The trustees would like to complete the installation of the new LED lightbulbs and finish repairing the deepening crack between the parking lot and the wall of the church. All are welcome, men and women alike.

PASTOR APPRECIATION

🎉 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.

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!

Let’s make sure Pastor Jeff knows just how much we appreciate him! 💛

QUIET ACTIONS OF FAITH IMPACT THE WORLD AROUND US

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.

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.) , which includes videos and questions with short tests. Please register, take the training at your leisure (, 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)

We have included this link to the free 60-minute trainingPLEASE complete this by November 15, 2025)

https://mr.dcfstraining.org/Home.action

PASTOR'S PRAYER TEAM

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.

SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS

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. Sign up by CLICKING HERE.

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. Sign up by CLICKING HERE.

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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