J U LY 2 0 1 5

WHY ARE WE HERE? IBC is a community that exists because we believe Jesus Christ transforms lives. We want to be fully alive as followers of Jesus, and we hope you’ll join us on this journey.

HOW DO WE DO THIS?

GROWING IN CHRIST At the heart of our journey is the gospel of Jesus. We trust Christ as our Savior and find ourselves becoming more like him as we deepen our relation-ship with him.

CONNECTING IN COMMUNITY The way of following Jesus is not a path we walk alone. The gospel story draws us into a community of people whose lives are being transformed by Jesus.

JOINING THE MISSION Followers of Jesus aren’t just saved, they’re also sent. Believers become witnesses to the grace of God as they take part in his mission to rescue and redeem the lost and broken.

For more about growing in Christ, connecting in community, and join-ing the mission at IBC, please contact info@irvingbible.org.

C O N TACT I B C2435 Kinwest Pkwy Irving, TX 75063 (972) 560-4600

WEB irvingbible.org FACEBOOK irvingbible TWITTER @ibcvoice ELETTER irvingbible.org/eletter

New to IBC? Turn to page 18.

MIDDLE SCHOOL MISSION TRIPIBC Middle School Students traveled to New Orleans, LA for a week of serving and learning. Students served meals, sorted clothes, shopped for supplies and organized donations at Love in Action, a local food pantry and thrift store. One trip highlight: a cajun SWAMP TOUR!

I witnessed God blessing everyone we served. God worked through us.

–Omar, NOLA mission trip participant“ ”

Chatter | 3

LIFE

OK, look. This is the day before we leave on our family beach trip. The clothes JUST beeped at me from the dryer. My empty suitcase is waiting in the bedroom. Both children are upstairs flinging themselves against the wall. This is not the time to write. This is not the time to write, or think, or pray or ponder. This is a time to get All The Things done.

I look down at the rings on my hand — the white gold band, the diamond glint. I observe my finger-nails, a cool pearly white. No emotion registers. Everything today looks physical and utilitarian, without broader meaning. It seems like the world might erode away unless I somehow organize, clean and pack it. No, this isn’t the time to reflect.

When I get to the beach, then I’ll take hold of my life. I’ll Think Thoughts then. Unless a kid needs me to open his fun-pack of Doritos, or becomes hysterical over a shared sand spade. Then I’ll steal away to a balcony and find a moment alone, where God is, where I am. Until I fall asleep on the lounge chair from exhaustion. But that evening, when the dishes are done and the showers are facilitated and the sea lies black under a navy sky, I’ll carve out a short walk on the sand.

The drive home will be long and vast, a perfect cocoon, sunlight streaming down on my by-then-tan legs. I will let my head fall back against the headrest and begin to connect with the inner life; I will get down to the business of hearing from God, of writing this letter, of joining my wheels to the tracks of Reality.

Then we’ll pull over so someone can vomit.

One day, life will lend itself to pondering, writing, connecting. It will be so easy then! So natural, like breathing.

Unless it won’t.

Ann Morrow Lindbergh, the beautiful author of “Gift From The Sea,” says we need to be “pioneers” in achieving a kind of stillness, a quiet core that persists in the midst of making food, cleaning spills, and correcting injustice. I think a better metaphor, at least for me, is that of a thief — I will have to begin stealing. This moment, then the next, plundering each day for whatever I can. I will become the great hijacker of my life; a fugitive run-ning ever after a clearer vision of God.

What role fits you best? Who do you need to be in order to look God square in the face each day — burglar, pioneer, card shark? I’d love to know about your tricks, secrets and back doors. Tell me what you’ll do, who you’ll be, to ride the waves under a north star this summer.

Together, I’d love for us to echo King David, who said:

“I will not enter my house or get into my bed, I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.”

Ps. 132:3-5

a letter from ChatterEditor Julie Rhodes

Art Direction, Design & Goodness Josh Wiese, Lindsey Sobolik, JD Lemming

Admin Extraordinaire Victoria Andrews

Pastor to Hashtags Scott McClellan, Communications Pastor

Photography Katherine Ivey (A Special Plan, Happier Trails)*

Writers Jason Fox (Idle Chatter)* Megan Foreman (Chatter Facts)* Stephanie Suire (A Special Plan)* Tiffany Stein (Next Steps)**

Editorial Assistance/Proofing Summer Alexander*, Annie Stone*

Thoughts, comments, ideas? Contact Chatter at chatter@irvingbible.org.

Need Chatter Digitally? Chatter is on the web at irvingbible.org/chatter.

Are you a media socialite? Like Chatter on Facebook. It’s so likeable.

*Most beloved and indispensable Chatter Volunteer.

**Most beloved and indispensable IBC staff member.

As of November 2014, the tallest sand castle in the world stood at 41 ft 3.67 inches tall in Rio de Janeiro. It used 20 truckloads of sand. (Source: Guinness World Records)

HISTORY

SCIENCE

TEXAS

TOMFOOLERY

LANGUAGE

GENERAL

FOOD

CULTURE

CHATTER FACT ICON KEY

Chatter is…

GEOGRAPHY

Chatter | 4

A SPECIAL

PLAN

Russia stretches across 9 time zones.

According to experts, the word “Kyrygyzstan” is the most difficult

word to spell in, like, the whole history of man.

Chatter | 5

Lina and Arzykan share more than just a common language. Both are far from home, facing language barriers and cultural challenges every day. And neither could have anticipated the special friendship God had pre-pared for them in IBC’s Special Needs ministry.

As we walk through the doors of IBC on a busy Wednesday evening, my friend Mariya and I are greeted by the sounds of children laughing and playing near The Tubes. We are at IBC to meet with two sweet ladies, Lina and Arzykan, who are from Russia and Kyrgystan, respectively. They met at the small group for parents of children with special needs held at IBC on Wednesday nights. In just a few short months, they have become dear friends. How did their special bond come to be? I’ve brought my friend Mariya, who speaks Russian, to find out.

To be honest, I am a little nervous about meeting Lina and Arzykan because of the language barrier. I attempt to introduce myself to Arzykan, then Mariya takes over and puts her at ease. We also meet Arzykan’s family; her son Nurmat, daughter-in-law, Dina, and their two children, Daniel (8 years) and Abby (3 years). I watch the children skip and run in circles around us while everyone else is speaking Russian.

Then Lina arrives and Arzykan’s face lights up. We find a quiet place near the cof-fee shop.

It turns out both ladies followed the same trajectory to this moment: both found their way to the States, and to special needs ministry, through their respective children.

Dina (Arzykan’s daughter-in-law) and her husband Nurmat were living in Kyr-gyzstan when Dina gave birth to their second child, a sweet baby girl named Abby, three-and-a-half years ago. Abby was born with Down Syndrome. In that part of the world, children with Down Syndrome are outcasts and ostracized. In fact, the doctors recommended that Abby be institutionalized. But Dina believed God had plans for her daughter’s life, plans that did not include an institution.

Dina told me how she and Nurmat moved to Dallas to attend Christ for the Nations Institute (CFNI). They wanted to learn how to talk to educators, medical personnel and the government in their home country about how to care for special needs

children. They believed God would do a miracle with their young daughter’s life, but they did not know

that God had other plans along the way — to bring together two women from far-away countries, and connect them through min-istry into a beautiful, unique friendship.

Arzykan explained that she moved from Kyrgyzstan, where she was born and raised, to Dallas with her family last August. She wanted to help care for her grandchildren

while her son and daughter-in-law were studying, and learn how to help Abby with

her development. Dina is excited to tell me, “My mother-in-law has worked hard to teach Abby

English letters and numbers. Abby has learned so quickly that she is now in pre-school at CFNI.“

Dina and Nurmat found IBC and the special needs ministry when they had to pick a local church to attend as part of their study requirements. The college recommended IBC for its emphasis on special needs. And it was at IBC where they met Shannon Miller, the ministry director.

“We were embraced by her love and care and knowledge of children with special needs,” said Dina, with a sparkle in her eye.

Shannon knew she wanted to introduce Arzykan to Lina, who was already volun-teering at IBC.

Lina is originally from Russia, an area called Yakutia, in the north. She tells us this is the coldest point in Russia with a registered temperature of -70 degrees Celsius (a far cry from the triple digit heat of Dallas summers!). She moved to Dallas five years ago to be closer to her daughter Victoria and started attending IBC with her. Victoria works at a pediatric hospital, where Lina became a volunteer to care for a girl with special needs who only spoke Russian. After caring for this child for three months, Lina realized she had a heart for children’s ministry.

At that time, Victoria was volunteering in the IBC Special Needs ministry. As Lina watched her daughter’s involvement with the SonShine Room on Sundays and Respite Care events, she soon wanted to join her.

Today, you can find both Lina and Arzykan actively involved in the special needs small group for parents on Wednesday nights, and in the SonShine room on Sun-day mornings — a special environment for kids with special needs during the IBC worship service.

With my friend Mariya as my translator, I asked both of these ladies what makes their friendship special. Arzykan was the first to answer. Even though I could not understand her words, I was touched as her eyes shone with tears. She leaned over to hug her sweet friend Lina.

“Lina is a very kind person,” she said. “Watching her work with the children is very special. They can be difficult and often run around, and there is also the language barrier. But this does not prevent her from caring for the children. She has such a strong spirit and I have the most respect for her.”

Arzykan goes on to talk about how it was God who brought them together and cre-ated this unique, strong friendship. After listening to her reflect for a long

time, Mariya observed to me: “Think about the two of them meeting here in God’s house. Both of them are from far-away countries

and face similar struggles with language barriers.”

Lina begins to cry when I ask Dina when her studies are over. She and Nurmat will graduate in May and

their family is going back to Kyrgyzstan at the end of the summer. Lina does not want her friend, Arzykan, to leave.

“We just found each other,” Lina says, “and she will be leaving me soon.”

When I ask them what they wanted others to know about their time together at IBC, Arzykan

answers first. “When I go back to my country, I look forward to telling the people there about the

type of people I met at IBC. I will have proof and stories to tell of the people in this church. They are

giving, have kind hearts, and are the type of people who are willing to help.”

Lina adds, “The people here — their faith is unlimited. They do things for others without expectations of something in return.

God’s ways are unknown. You do not know what he has planned for you.”

It’s true: you never know what God has planned for you. Like his plan to bring together two Russian-speaking women through the special needs ministry at IBC, whose friendship and heart for others have already touched so many lives.

Stephanie Suire let her 6-year- old son get a blue mohawk this summer so she could call herself a “cool mom.”

Stephanie is a Petroleum Engineer, blogger at www.FoodandFitness4Real.com and freelance writer. She has been married to Trey for 10 years and they have two kids, Sophia (8) and Tallen (5).

In just a few short months,

they have become dear

friends.

The CFNI has assisted native congregations in building more than 12,500 churches all over the world.

On Previous PageTop: Victoria and mom Lina serve together.Middle: Arzykan (L) and Lina (R) share a heart for kids with special needs.Bottom: Arzykan (R) and her family will return to Kyrgyzstan this summer.

Chatter | 6

I recently told Marion Mill’s story at IBC. She was born in 1930 in a palace in Hungary and educated at private schools in Vienna where she fell in love with a medical student named

Otto. They married and went to Hollywood, CA where Otto Pr-eminger became a famed movie director. Marion Mill Preminger also became a celebrity famous for her beauty and charm. But then Marion sank into alcohol abuse, and aff airs, divorce and attempted suicide three times unsuccessfully before fl eeing back to Vienna.

That’s when Marion met Albert Schweitzer, the well-known medical doctor and missionary on leave from his hospital in Africa. She heard him say these life-changing words: “I do not know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.”

Let me tell you a secret. Jesus fi rst lived what Albert then said! He modeled a life of self-sacrifi ce to meet others’ needs. If we are going to serve like him, we too must take our “next step” and become pas-sionate about responding to the needs—both great and small—of the people on our path.

A great context for that service (that is just chock full of people on our path with needs) is the ministry of Irving Bible Church. Hun-dreds of IBCers are serving like Jesus right here on the IBC Cam-pus. Some of their stories are told in this very article!

These have learned what Marion Mill also learned all those years ago. She returned to Africa with Dr. Schweitzer where she spent her life caring for poverty-stricken children, later writing these words:

“Albert Schweitzer says there are two kinds of people. There are the helpers, and the non-helpers. I thank God He allowed me to become a helper, and in helping, I found everything.”

So in conclusion, here’s what I want you to do, IBC: pray that God will give you an opportunity to serve, then keep your eyes and ears open for those opportunities. You could even reach out to an IBC pastor to talk about where your gifts could be put to use in this com-munity. I know you’ll be blessed as you do.

Pastor Andy

Why We Serve

Vienna is known as the “city of dreams,” the “city of music,” and the “city of dubious sausage.”

Chatter | 3

WHY I SERVE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS...

I didn’t grow up a Christian. In high school, my young life leaders, Tim and Melissa, sacrifi ced time and energy to show me Jesus in a way my parents never could have. I’ve spent 8 years trying to do that for someone else. I serve because I’m thankful.

Scott Conner

Life Group Leaders lead both high school and middle school students in weekly small groups. Contact mconnor@irvingbible.org to learn more.

WHY I SERVE HOMELESS TEENS AND FAMILIES IN NEED AT THE MAIN PLACE…

I remember the sacrifi cial love of Jesus that the women of my church demonstrated to the teenage me when my mom died. It’s my turn to join the mission.

Pam Hale

The Main Place is an IBC partner that provides clothing for homeless teens in Irving. Contact tkinsman@irvingbible.org to learn more.

WHY I SERVE IN THE CHOIR…

God has given me the ability to (mostly) carry a tune, so helping to lead his people in song is just a very natural way for me to serve. And in that service to others, my own spirit is always uplifted.

Dave Devoll

You don’t have to audition to be part of the IBC Choir, and men are especially needed. Contact celwell@irvingbible.org to learn more.

WHY I SERVE FAMILIES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS…

I serve because I want to be Jesus’ physical hands and feet to these families. I serve to give these fami-lies rest and allow the parents to be spiritually fed. I want to show Jesus’ unconditional love and acceptance.

Melissa Berrios

IBC serves children and adults with Special Needs in a variety of ways, including Bible stud-ies, support groups, and specialized care during Sunday worship. Contact smiller@irvingbible.org to learn more.

WHY I SERVE SENIOR CITIZENS…

Growing up, I was fortunate to spend lots of time with my grandparents, a very special great grandmother, and many of their friends. Partly because of this, I’ve had a heart for serv-ing seniors for many years. Many of those we serve have few family or friends, and it’s Christ’s work through us to off er a friendly face and conversation. More importantly, it’s a wonderful opportunity for both volunteers and the seniors we serve to grow in our faith.

Mike Humphrey

IBC is involved in select senior care centers in Irving. To learn more, contact tkinsman@irvingbible.org.

WHY I SERVE AT-RISK KIDS…

I serve kids in school because I realize that not all kids grow up with access to some key things that we take for granted, like books and parents who can read to them. They start school at a disadvantage, and sometimes it’s not easy for them to catch up.

Fred Cunha

Through Schoolworks, IBC provides reading bud-dies and lunch buddies to at-risk kids in many local schools. Contact lhamilton@irvingbible.org to learn more.

Chatter | 8

The common banana is 75% water, 12% sugars, 5% starch, 3% fiber and 5% things boring to Chatter.

Chatter | 9

Cricket was first played in southern England in or before the 16th centruy. Bacon is an obvious upgrade.

Things besides the Boomstick that weigh 3 lbs.: 12 quarter-pound hot dogs, a half gallon of milk, and the average adult human brain.

Chatter | 10

Stephen Ministry at IBC provides one-to-one Christian care to individuals who are experiencing diffi culties such as loss of a loved one, divorce, terminal illness, depression, infertility, loneliness, and much more. A Stephen Minister is a carefully selected layperson with extensive training who will listen, pray, support, and encourage you while you are hurting. They will be there to meet faithfully with you for an hour a week to help you navigate through this diffi -cult season.

This is the eye of the storm.

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Sometimes, the safest place during a storm isn’t the hallway closet. Sometimes it’s at a table with someone you trust. That’s what Stephen Ministry is all about.

This is a confi dential ministry. The identity of those re-ceiving care and what takes place in each relationship will remain private.

To request a Stephen Minister or apply to become one, email stephenministry@irvingbible.org.

In 1975, Dr. Kenneth C. Haughk trained the very fi rst Stephen Ministers.

Chatter | 11

“So what’s next for you?”

It’s the question that I’ve been asked frequently this past year. I have family mem-bers and friends who are writing books, launching blogs, buying homes, starting their family, getting married, receiving promotions, starting new careers, moving across country, going on mission trips, founding ministries, beginning grad school, and starting their own businesses. Quite frankly, I’m not doing any of these things, and it’s tempting for me to think that I’m not accomplishing anything or actively working toward a goal.

But if I were to sum it up, the past two years have been about settling and putting down roots. You see, in the span of just five months, from January-May 2013, I experienced tremendous life change. My sister and dearest friend got married, my husband Jason and I graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary, we both started new jobs, we moved from Dallas to Grapevine, and many close friends moved away after graduating. I spent most of 2013 overwhelmed, grieving the loss of commu-nity, and trying to find my way in a world where everything was new.

And so rather unconsciously, much of 2014 was just about me adjusting to new roles and surroundings, and learning what life looks like when you’re no longer stuck in overdrive, constantly fatigued, and spiritually depleted.

Tired of being asked, “So what’s next for you?” I made the intentional decision around New Year’s to really sit with this question in 2015. Seven months into the year, here’s what I’ve found: 2015 isn’t about me accomplishing anything external, something that can be tangibly measured or checked off of a list. In fact, 2015 isn’t about me at all. It’s about God; and it’s about me learning to be more attentive to God’s presence.

I know it sounds cliché, but bear with me. The beautiful truth about attentiveness to God is that it’s not something that I can achieve, earn, or somehow force God to grant me. Instead, it’s about surrender to God and recognition of who he is.

Ruth Haley Barton defines attentiveness as the “the capacity to recognize and respond to the presence and the activity of God—both in the ordinary moments and in the larger decisions of our lives.” In other words, attentiveness is simply a posture that opens you up to more readily pay attention to God and his work so that if and when God speaks, you’re more apt to hear it and obey.

And even this posture of attentiveness is a gift of God, something that neither you nor I can earn. But we do get the opportunity to cooperate with the Holy Spirit as he works to transform us in the image of Christ.

For me, I’ve found that practicing attentiveness in this season of life looks like stopping to pray for someone as soon as I speak with him or her. Because other-wise I might forget, and when I say, “I’ll pray for you,” I want to actually pray for you with intentionality and specificity. I’m also writing more cards and sending encouragement emails more frequently. I’m seeing more needs around me than ever before as I pray to see God at work, and so I want to be quick to affirm others, offer a word of encouragement, and share God’s truth with them.

I’m also going through a Bible reading plan that highlights the women of the Bible. Instead of objectively studying the text and asking, “What is the application for my life?” or “What does this text mean today?” I’m just reading it to encounter God (as the preface suggests). I’m highlighting every time a name of God is mentioned. I’m underlining every action attributed to God. I’m noting in the margins the charac-teristics of God. And then I’m spending time in prayer, rereading those attributes of God and praising him for who he is. In so doing, I’m learning more about my good Creator, his sovereign will, and his trustworthy ways.

And with just 5 months left in the year, my prayer continues to be, “God, I don’t want to go somewhere and then ask you to bless it. I want to be where you are already working. Give me eyes and ears that are attentive to your presence, and the courage and faith to be obedient to your will.”

Tiffany Stein has never had a cup of coffee.

Tiffany is the Ministry Coordinator for Women at IBC.

Next Steps: ATTENTIVENESS

Chatter asked IBC pastors to weigh in on their “next steps” for the year — personally, spiritually, or ministry-wise. Here’s Tiffany.

“ELOHIM” (or Elohay) is the first name for God found in the Bible. It’s used in the Old Testament over 2,300 times.

Chatter | 12

The name “Scion” means “heir” or “descendent.”

During the summer months, it’s estimated that 50% of marshmallows sold are roasted for s’mores.(The other 50% are jealous.)

What drew me to register for One Parent+Kids was simple: the opportu-nity for healing, which I knew I needed. Initially, I was curious about

OP+K. Then I was nervous — I didn’t know anyone attending or leading the class. I was also hesitant because I didn’t want anything negative (like the women’s group in “Jerry Maguire”), and I’d already been through DivorceCare twice — which was very helpful, but I needed something diff erent. In that class, the analogy used for divorce was the aftermath of a devastating storm. For me, a better analogy was me as a frontierswoman on foot beside a wagon headed for Oregon when her family is brutally attacked. She’s left alone to care for children who have been equally wounded and disoriented, while trying to sur-vive and fi gure out a whole new path to a diff erent destination. And her wagon is a really, really beat-up and depreciated Scion XB, 2005.

The two factors that fi nally swayed my decision were that my children would also have classes to help them adapt to our new family dynamics while the parent group met; and, I’ll admit it, the convenience of the Wednesday night meal — always delicious, with pb&j sandwiches for any kids who disagreed with the main off ering. (Wednesday night meals are available for all 2435 Kinwest activities at IBC, and anyone who wants a meal, for $3/person or $10 max/family.)

The fi rst night of class was interesting. Our leaders explained that the intent of OP+K was not to be therapy or counseling but an educational process. Michael and Dayna, OP+K directors, told us they would be honest with us and provide help so we could grow to become eff ective CEOs of our families. Each session started on time, and was full of detailed, apply-right-now information, plus time to respond/write/refl ect, and time to interact with other people going on similar paths of healing and rebuilding.

ONE PARENT+KIDS

KICK-OFF Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Don’t fl y solo. Whether your family is heal-ing from the pain of divorce or just look-ing for new ways to build healthy com-munication, we invite you and your kids to experience One Parent + Kids, a 12-week program designed to enrich the lives of single-parent families.

Although I am very shy and slow to talk about painful things in a group, I found this paradox in OP+K: there is safety in sharing with other people who have also suff ered a major loss. I found encouragement to take risks by being honest with myself and other people. We all got to know each other quickly. We were able to comment on our similar emotions and thoughts. Instead of feeling like lone survivors, we could circle our now-condensed families around a Wednesday evening campfi re and regroup. (Metaphorical fi re — no s’mores, but plenty of compassion and encouragement.)

The most empowering message I’ve taken away from OP+K was that I can make lots of positive decisions for our future regardless of past events, some of which I could not control. I am the trail boss for our family, and I can decide where our adventure goes from here. (Yeehaw!) And there have been other wonderful results from the class: spiritually and emotionally rich connections with others at IBC. Skills to battle depression and dead-end thought patterns. Understanding of generational and family dynamics. An awareness of God’s intention to not only comfort us during painful times, but to develop strengths in our family members because of the diffi culties. And his delight in giving us new dreams and traditions on this new path.

Rosalind Ferguson once had a baby skunk for a pet.

Rosalind is a teacher's aide working with students on the autism spectrum.She has fi ve children total — biological, step, and adopted — and she says being a mom is her dream job.

Everything changes once you become a single parent. Finances. Relationships. The future you had envisioned. Single-mom Rosalind shares her experience from IBC’s One Parent+Kids.

Dinner in the Commons: 5-6:20 p.m.Class for kids and parents: 6:45-8:15 p.m.

Cost $40 per family for the semester (includes dinner each week, all supplies, curriculum materials) Scholarships are available.

Register online under Single Parent Ministry at irvingbible.org/parenting/single-parents/one-parent-kids/

Contact Jennifer for more information at jerlenbusch@irvingbible.org

HappierTrailsAhead

Chatter | 13

Thank you, IBC For years, IBC has helped provide backpacks and school supplies for families in need. In recent years, we’ve teamed up with the City of Irving and several corpo-rate and philanthropic sponsors for Supplies for Success, a large-scale initiative designed to prepare at-risk kids for the new school year in the Irving ISD.

Irving Fire Chief Victor Conley just wants to say thanks. The City of Irving Fire Department would like to express our most sincere appreciation to Irving Bible Church for their continued sup-port of the Annual Supplies for Success Event.

Every year since 2011, Irving Bible Church’s partnership has been essential in making sure the most economically disadvantaged children in Irving ISD have the tools they need to begin the school year. Your passion to help others who need it the most is seen through your efforts in helping plan the event, in donating funds to allow 1,000 students to receive a backpack full of school supplies and in volunteering your time to help distribute backpacks at the event.

Our Annual Supplies for Success Event would not be the same without your collaboration. Thank you for all your hard work and continued support, and we look forward to a bigger and better 2015.

Sincerely, Victor Conley Fire Chief, Irving Fire Department

Bigger and Better: This Year

Ready to jump in? Good!Starting school is hard enough without worrying about if you’ll have a backpack or not. That’s why IBC is a key player in the City of Irving’s Supplies for Success initiative. Here’s how you can help:

STUFF — new!Starting this year, IBC will be the drop point

for all donations coming in to Irving fire sta-tions. That equals A LOT OF PENCILS. We need help to sort supplies and fill backpacks ever takes place. We’re look-

ing for 20 volunteers per shift each day, Monday-Thursday, August 10-13. We have a 9 a.m – 12 p.m. shift and a 1–4 p.m. shift. Make it a family fun day of service! Sign up to volunteer at http://bit.ly/1erqLJA.

BRING IBC will still be providing 500 filled backpacks for many of our local partners. If you’d like to

compile one yourself, bring it up to IBC by August 9. Find the supply list at irvingbible.org/mission-events.

GIVE It costs $10 to provide a backpack with sup-

plies for the Supplies for Success event. Write a check to IBC with “Supplies for Success” in the memo line. We’ve commit-ted 1,000 backpacks to this event.

SUPPLIES FOR SUCCESS

“Victor” is the designation for the letter “V” in the NATO phonetic alphabet.

Chatter | 14

UPCOMING

JulyJULY 2

Recovery Eatin’ Meetin’ If you have ever considered going to Recovery,

July 2 would be a great night to do so. See ad, pg. 16.

JULY 9-13

Middle School Beach CampVisit irvingbible.org/students for more information.

JULY 10-11

Conference for Single MomsJoin Single Parents at IBC for the Survive N’ Thrive

conference in Oklahoma. Contact jerlenbusch@

irvingbible.org.

JULY 11

Guy Stuff EventJoin other boys from single-parent homes and learn

about surviving in nature by making simple hunting

devices. Contact mtribbett@irvingbible.org.

Writer’s Workshop — 10 a.m.Commons AnnexJoin a community of people honing their writing

skills. Contact Donna at doreilly@irvingbible.org.

JULY 12

Mercy Street 101 Lunch — 12:30 p.m.Join Mission at IBC for a special lunch where you’ll

hear about the work Mercy Street is doing in West

Dallas. RSVP to Tricia at tkinsman@irvingbible.org.

Summer Lovin’ with Marriage at IBC9 a.m.See ad, pg. 17.

JULY 13-17

High School Beach CampVisit irvingbible.org/students for more information.

JULY 18

KNO Splash Night — 6–9 p.m.See ad, pg. 16.

JULY 19

Red Cross Blood Drive — 9 a.m.–2 p.m.See ad, this page.

JULY 26

Summer Lovin’ with Marriage at IBC9 a.m.See ad, pg. 17.

Supplies for Success BeginsSee ad, pg. 13.

JULY 28

Freedom with Eating Small GroupSee ad, pg. 17.

AUGUST 9

Writer’s Workshop — 10 a.m.Commons AnnexJoin a community of people honing their writing

skills. Contact Donna at doreilly@irvingbible.org.

AUGUST 10

Baptism Orientation — 12:30 p.m.West CIf you are interested in becoming baptized, the first

step is this mandatory orientation. Register at irving-

bible.org/baptism.

AUGUST 15

Supplies for Success EventSee ad, pg. 13.

SEPTEMBER 3

One Parent + Kids BeginsSee ad, pg. 12.

August

September

Red Cross Blood Drive

July 19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Visit the kiosk in Town Square on July 12 to sign up. Questions? Contact Karrie at kcox@irvingbible.org.

G I V E A L I T T L E

Life T H I S S U M M E R .

ONGOING MEALS

SUNDAY COMMUNITY MEALS

6 p.m. — Town SquareMeals are $3 per person or $10 max./family.

7/5 No Meal. Happy 4th of July!

7/12 Fajita Madness, salad bar

7/19 Burgers and brats, salad bar

7/26 Giant baked potatoes with all the fixin’s, salad bar

All July meals hosted by the Summer Team.

If you’d like to serve on a Sunday night meal team, contact Pat O’Reilly at (214) 289-6176 or sun-daynightmeal@irvingbible.org.

WEDNESDAY MIDWEEK MEALS5–6:20 P.M.

Cost is $3/meal or $10 max./family. PB&J sandwiches are also available.

7/1 Pizza, salad, dessert

7/8 Burgers, french fries, beans, dessert

7/15 Chicken tenders with dip, chips, veggies, salad, dessert

7/22 Pizza, salad, dessert

7/29 Chef’s choice

Changes to the menu may be made depending on food cost, availability, and Bob Downey’s whim.

If you’d like to serve on a Wednes-day night meal team, please email bdowney@irvingbible.org.

CUPPA HOURS

Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–8 p.m.

Saturday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

BIBLE COMMUNITIESGroups on Sunday

The Tree9 a.m. — West D20s & 30s, married & young families

Crossroads10:45 a.m. — West CCouples & Families late 20s to 40s

Journey10:45 a.m. — The AlcoveAll Welcome

On Track10:45 a.m. — Conference RoomSingle Parents

Thrive10:45 a.m. — West DSingles in their 30s & 40s

Renew10:45 a.m. — Training CenterAll Welcome

Legacy Builders6:45 p.m. — West A — All Welcome

CHILDRENInfants Through 5th Grade

Children’s Sunday Services9 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 5 p.m.

HOPE & HEALINGCommunity Care

Abortion Recovery CounselingContact Kym at (972) 560-4632 or kyeichner@irvingbible.org.

Recovery at IBCThursdays, 6:30–8:30 p.m. West Wing Youth LoungeA group for hurts, habits, and hangups. irvingbible.org/recovery.

Shelter from the StormSexual abuse support group. Con-tact shelterfromthestormibc@gmail.com or (214) 725-0898

The Living Grace GroupFor those with mental illness. Contact Heath at heathmurry@yahoo.com.

Family Grace GroupEvery other Monday through August 24For families/caregivers of those with mental illness. Contact Buzz Moody at myrabuzz@gmail.com.

NAMI Family-to-Family ClassContact Joey at joey@netbreezeinc.com or Debra at eumoore@yahoo.com.Stephen Ministry at IBC One-on-one ministry for hurting people. Contact stephenministry@irvingbible.org or call (972) 560-4636.

Spousal Abuse RecoveryContact kyeichner@irvingbible.org.

MARRIAGEGrowing Together

Marriage at IBC Contact bmassey@irvingbible.org.

Pre-Marriage Mentoring Visit irvingbible.org/marriage.

MENCommunity and Resources

First WatchFridays, 6:22 a.m. — The Commons Contact Nat at npugh@irvingbible.org.

First Watch ReplayTuesdays, 6:30 p.m.Training CenterContact brianarrington1@yahoo.com.

First Watch Xtra Wednesday, 6:30 a.m.Training CenterContact bcope@huntoil.com.

Visit irvingbible.org/men.

MISSIONLocal and Global

Prayer Meeting2nd and 4th Wednesdays6:45-8 p.m. — The Chapel

Laundry LoveFirst Saturday of the month 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Contact laundrylove@irvingbible.org.

New Friends New LifeServe Dinner to women healing from exploitation in the commercial sex industry every third Wednesday. Contact Christine at newfriendsnew-life@irvingbible.org.

SINGLE PARENTCommunity and Resources

Sit with us on Sunday!9 a.m. service, lowest right-hand section, Rows 5 & 6, facing the stage. Visit irvingbible.org/singleparents.

SPECIAL NEEDSCommunity & Care

Small Group for MomsSundays, 10:45 a.m.–12 p.m.

In His Image Bible StudySundays, 6:30–7:45 p.m

Small Group for ParentsWednesdays, 6:30–8:15 p.m.

SonShine Pals and RoomCare during Sunday ministry.

Contact specialneeds@irvingbible.org.

STUDENTSMiddle/High School and College

Middle School SundaysSundays — 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.Student Ministries area

High School SundaysSundays, 6:45–8 p.m. Student Ministries area

IBC College MinistrySundays, 3:30 p.m.The Commons AnnexContact college@irvingbible.org.

WOMENCommunity and Resources

Summer StudyTuesdays, 6:30 p.m.The CommonsVisit irvingbible.org/women.

YOUNG ADULTSEvents and Resources

Young Adults Summer EventsCheck our Facebook page for up-to-date fun activities this summer.

2435 KINWEST Wednesday Nights at IBC

IBC ChoirWednesdays, 7–8:30 p.m.IBC Worship CenterContact Crystal at celwell@irvingbible.org.

ESL: English as a Second LanguageWednesdays, 6:30–8:30 p.m. AZ17, 18 and 19

Citizenship ClassWednesdays, 6:30–8 p.m.IBC Conference Room

IBC Career Transition MinistryWednesdays, 6:30–8 p.m.

Visit 2435kinwest.org.

For kids in single-parent families

Where: Cimarron Family Aquatic Center201 Red River Trail, Irving, 75063

Don't miss...• Hot Dogs & Popsicles• Water Slides and pool with zero entry, like a beach!• Small pool for younger kids• Life vests and lifeguards on site• Lots of fun for all!

Register: To guarantee your child a space, pre-register them online at irvingbible.org/singleparents. Kids 5 & older are invited to at-tend the event, but parents are welcome to stay with their kids and hang out if pre-registered online.

Questions? Contact Jennifer jerlenbusch@irvingbible.org.

SATURDAY, JULY 18, 6–9 P.M.

RecoveryJuly 2, 6:30 p.m. in the Youth Wing

If you’ve ever considered checking out IBC’s Recovery group, but have never taken the next step, the Eatin’ Meetin’ is a great way to do it. Just bring a dish to share!

At Recovery, we are authentic people learning how to apply the 12 steps in our lives in order to allevi-ate emotional pain, stress, and control, and to seek practical spiritual development in Christ. Recovery meets Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Ministries Area.

For more information or to register, visit irvingbible.org/recovery.

Topic: Protecting Our Communities’ Children

Come hear two of our local partners share about how they protect the precious kids of our city. Speakers: Su-san Het, Executive Director of Mercy House, and Katie Pedigo, Executive Director of New Friends New Life.

RSVP: tkinsman@irvingbible.org.

AUGUST 9 ,12 :30 P.M . IN THE ALCOVE

First Watch meets Fridays, 6:22 a.m. In The CommonsExperience greater energy, clearer purpose, and richer relationships as you eliminate clutter from your inner world. Eight time-tested principles from “Simplify” by Bill Hybels will help you make changes for a life anchored in the priorities that matter most.

Honest conversation • Hot coffee • Fresh donuts and bananas

Questions? Contact Nat at npugh@irvingbible.org.

M E N A T I B C

SIMPLIFY

Freedom with Eating a small group

Tuesdays, July 28 – September 1, 2015 (6 weeks)6:30-8:30 p.m.Common’s Annex at IBC

Facilitated by Jennifer Lewis, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Freedom with Eating is a 6-week biblically based small group that encourages and equips women to fi nd free-dom through Christ from any kind of disordered eating patterns and body image issues.

Register: For more information and to register, visit irvingbible.org/women. Space is limited to 24 women.

Questions? Contact Jennifer at jlewis@irvingbible.org or (972) 560-4657.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31

Freedom with Eating a small group

Tuesdays, July 28 – September 1, 2015 (6 weeks) 6:30-8:30 p.m. Common’s Annex at IBC

Facilitated by Jennifer Lewis, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Freedom with Eating is a 6-week biblically based small group that encourages and equips women to find free-dom through Christ from any kind of disordered eating patterns and body image issues.

Register: For more information and to register, visit irvingbible.org/women. Space is limited to 24 women.

Questions? Contact Jennifer at jlewis@irvingbible.org or (972) 560-4657.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31

Chatter | 18

The term “newbie”likely originated during the Vietnam War for soldiers just coming in to a new unit.

HOW DO I GIVE?

FIND A PLACE TO SERVEYou’ve come a long way since that fi rst breath mint. You’ve been busy worshipping, learning, relating, and committing. And it’s at this point that you might start looking around at all the people who help create those events — ushers, greeters, meal team members, table hosts, small group leaders, and the like. Your next step now is to join them! Consider your passions, talents and spiritual gifts and then ask about a place to serve. Visit irvingbible.org/serve.

JOIN IN WORSHIPSo you found the address, a place to park, and a breath mint on the way in. Good work! If you’re reading this, you’ve probably already taken the fi rst step — attending a worship service. This is the fi rst and most important place to start, so keep coming. Become a regular. Make sure to fi ll out a Newcomer Card. Tell us a little about yourself and let us know how we can engage with you. Somebody will reach out to you this week. Visit irvingbible.org/connect.

We’re glad you asked. Here are the steps to take for having your questions answered, fi guring out the IBC story, and, if you’re feeling ready, plugging in.

CHECK OUT THE NEWCOMER GATHERINGSo you’re kicking the IBC tires? Good! We’re so glad you’re here. The Newcomer Gathering is a great opportunity to meet church leadership, learn what IBC is all about, and connect with other newbies in a fun, relaxed environment. Next Newcomer Gathering: August 27

SIGN UP FOR PROPELAll right! You’re feeling the IBC vibe and want to see where you might get involved. Propel is a 4-week class that explores the IBC calling and culture, and how your unique personality and passions fi t in. Meet many of our pastors and directors of ministries at IBC. Next Propel: September 20–October 4

JOIN A COMMUNITYYou’re fi ring on all cylinders but something is missing. And that something is a someone, or a group of someones. Enter sermon-based Small Groups, Women’s Bible Study, First Watch, and more. We encourage you to fi nd a group and connect authentically with others. Visit irvingbible.org/adults.

Start

My Time, Talents & SkillsFind Your SpotEach Sunday, IBC helps about 800 kids grow in Christ and connect in community. We are in need of people of all ages to invest in the next generation of nursery, preschool, and elementary kids. We have opportunities for all skill sets. Contact Melody at mparlett@irvingbible.org.

Family Promise Day Center VolunteersThe FP Day Center is where the adults go to devel-op a plan for housing and jobs while their kids are in school. If you could give a few hours a week or a month to spend helping at the Day Center, contact Merlyn at (469) 586-5374, or ma-n-me@msn.com.

Meal Team VolunteersIBC makes meals available both Sunday and Wednesday nights. These fun teams could use some additional volunteers to serve together. For Sundays, contact sundaynightmeal@irvingbible.org. For Wednesdays, contact bdowney@irvingbible.org.

Medical Professionals NeededOur weekly medical clinic needs professional health care providers (MD, PA, FNP) to provide treatment for our patients. Volunteers serve on a rotating basis and do not need to serve every week. Contact Charles at cpierce@2435clinic.org.

Mentor Kids in Single-Parent FamiliesMen and women are needed for gender-specifi c mentoring of children from single-parent families. Contact Marsha at mtribbett@irvingbible.org.

New Friends New LifeServe dinner to women healing from exploitation in the commercial sex industry every third Wednesday. Please contact Christine at newfriendsnewlife@irvingbible.org.

SeniorCare Volunteers NeededSeniorCare, a ministry of IBC, needs the following volunteers to help at assisted living and nurs-ing homes: a men’s group leader for Saturday or Sunday evenings, and leaders for Sunday morning services & communion twice a month at the Vil-lages; leaders for Sunday services twice a month at Ashford Hall; and volunteers to help with outings, personal visits and devotionals at MacArthur Hills. Please contact Mike at seniorcare@irvingbible.org.

Visitor Follow-Up Team (Rex Greenstreet Ministry)We are looking for a volunteer to make calls or send welcome emails (or both) to new visitors from IBC. Training and coaching will be provided. Contact Sherri at ssharp@irvingbible.org.

My ResourcesOnline Giving OptionIf you would fi nd it more convenient to donate to the ministries of Irving Bible Church online, visit irvingbible.org/give.

HOW DO I GET CONNECTED AT IBC?

FOR MORE INFO, VISIT IRVINGBIBLE.ORG/CONNECT OR LOOK FOR THE NEWCOMER GUIDES AT THE INFORMATION DESK.

Chatter | 19

TEMPLE OF DAD

Introduced in Germany in 1969, Capri Sun has been distributed in the United States since 1981. The straw is every bit as difficult to deal with today as it was back then.

FACT: The best donuts in the world can be found at Round Rock Donuts in Round Rock, Texas. You’ve been warned.

I’m about to drop what the kids in 2008 called a knowledge bomb on you. And since I gleaned this knowledge from the internet, you know it must be true. The latest unearthed nugget of suspect wisdom is that I, Jason Fox, a 42-year-old married father of 3, Type 1 diabetic, be-afro’ed

Pasty-American, am (excuse my Song of Solomon-esque language) dead sexy. Seriously. I now possess, through little fault of my own, a prized, idolized and 1-Hour Martinized dad bod.

For those of you who don’t click on every link that pops up in your Twitter feed, the dad bod, as it’s been dubbed, is currently in vogue. (Perhaps even in Vogue, too, but I’m more of a Ladies’ Home Journal kind of guy.) A dad bod is the type of body a man attains through years of hardcore workouts followed by years of hardcore “Call of Duty” playing. Doritos may also be involved. It’s the type of body often seen on men at parks chasing a minimum of two toddlers, often in t-shirts that still fit their arms, but are now too small in certain equatorial areas. They don’t quite have (root) beer bellies, but they do have Frappuccino flabcakes hiding their slumbering six-pack abs.

I confess, I did not come by my dad bod via the typical route. Not once in my youth did anyone ever describe me as jacked, ripped or juiced (excepting that one Capri Sun bender in sixth grade). I possess an ectomorphic body type. Which is better than xenomorphic if the movie “Alien” is to be believed. And it is. My body eschews muscle mass. It used to laugh off flab mass, too, until it started letting said flab hang around to chat for a bit after I hit 30. So I didn’t go from gym rat to Gymboree shopper the easy, pass-me-a-fourth-bag-of-mini-donuts way. No, I actually had to work out to reach this level of mediocrity. I joke with my wife that I’ve been bulking up to average. And like most of my jokes, it’s just a thin veneer over the painful, smushy truth.

Naturally, this newly bestowed hotness puts me in a bit of a spiritual quandary. Just how am I supposed to feel about my body now being the epitome of temple

architecture as it pertains to housing the Holy Spirit? I realize I shouldn’t be proud, as we all know that pride goeth before stepping on a Lego at the top of the stairs. Do I work out three days a week and visit Taco Bell the other four? Would that be so bad? Yes.

More importantly, how does being the modern version of The David impact my work for the Lord? Obviously, I’ve managed to squeeze a column of sus-pect quality out of it, so that’s something. But now what? Do I snag an old Slim Goodbody costume off eBay and, after multiple washings for obvious reasons, go forth to combine proselytizing with promoting goodish eating habits? No. Because you can’t win kids to Christ by creeping them out. Been there, done that many times. Been asked to stop many times. I guess I’ll just have to do my best to inform those naturally drawn to my magnetic presence that I am not to be the object of their worship (bounce your eyes, ladies) or of their offerings. Although I will accept stock tips and cheese fries as is allowed somewhere in Leviticus.

For now, the struggle to balance Paul’s admonitions in 1 Corinthians 6:19 with the societal pressure to always, always have a selfie stick at the ready will continue. But, as “The Message” version of Matthew 6:24 says, I cannot serve both God and Mallomars. In the end, I suspect this issue will be self-correcting. The media cycle moves too quickly for my middling midsection to remain a designated smokeshow for long. And when that time, probably next Tuesday, comes round, I shall return to my duly appointed place in the global pantheon of humanity. And use my quiver of selfie sticks for some righteous hippie smiting.

Jason Fox believes in the power of positive donuts.

Jason writes from Omaha, Nebraska, to avoid uncomfortable run-ins with Mark Cuban.

Chatter | 18

The term “newbie”likely originated during the Vietnam War for soldiers just coming in to a new unit.

HOW DO I GIVE?

FIND A PLACE TO SERVEYou’ve come a long way since that fi rst breath mint. You’ve been busy worshipping, learning, relating, and committing. And it’s at this point that you might start looking around at all the people who help create those events — ushers, greeters, meal team members, table hosts, small group leaders, and the like. Your next step now is to join them! Consider your passions, talents and spiritual gifts and then ask about a place to serve. Visit irvingbible.org/serve.

JOIN IN WORSHIPSo you found the address, a place to park, and a breath mint on the way in. Good work! If you’re reading this, you’ve probably already taken the fi rst step — attending a worship service. This is the fi rst and most important place to start, so keep coming. Become a regular. Make sure to fi ll out a Newcomer Card. Tell us a little about yourself and let us know how we can engage with you. Somebody will reach out to you this week. Visit irvingbible.org/connect.

We’re glad you asked. Here are the steps to take for having your questions answered, fi guring out the IBC story, and, if you’re feeling ready, plugging in.

CHECK OUT THE NEWCOMER GATHERINGSo you’re kicking the IBC tires? Good! We’re so glad you’re here. The Newcomer Gathering is a great opportunity to meet church leadership, learn what IBC is all about, and connect with other newbies in a fun, relaxed environment. Next Newcomer Gathering: August 27

SIGN UP FOR PROPELAll right! You’re feeling the IBC vibe and want to see where you might get involved. Propel is a 4-week class that explores the IBC calling and culture, and how your unique personality and passions fi t in. Meet many of our pastors and directors of ministries at IBC. Next Propel: September 20–October 4

JOIN A COMMUNITYYou’re fi ring on all cylinders but something is missing. And that something is a someone, or a group of someones. Enter sermon-based Small Groups, Women’s Bible Study, First Watch, and more. We encourage you to fi nd a group and connect authentically with others. Visit irvingbible.org/adults.

Start

My Time, Talents & SkillsFind Your SpotEach Sunday, IBC helps about 800 kids grow in Christ and connect in community. We are in need of people of all ages to invest in the next generation of nursery, preschool, and elementary kids. We have opportunities for all skill sets. Contact Melody at mparlett@irvingbible.org.

Family Promise Day Center VolunteersThe FP Day Center is where the adults go to devel-op a plan for housing and jobs while their kids are in school. If you could give a few hours a week or a month to spend helping at the Day Center, contact Merlyn at (469) 586-5374, or ma-n-me@msn.com.

Meal Team VolunteersIBC makes meals available both Sunday and Wednesday nights. These fun teams could use some additional volunteers to serve together. For Sundays, contact sundaynightmeal@irvingbible.org. For Wednesdays, contact bdowney@irvingbible.org.

Medical Professionals NeededOur weekly medical clinic needs professional health care providers (MD, PA, FNP) to provide treatment for our patients. Volunteers serve on a rotating basis and do not need to serve every week. Contact Charles at cpierce@2435clinic.org.

Mentor Kids in Single-Parent FamiliesMen and women are needed for gender-specifi c mentoring of children from single-parent families. Contact Marsha at mtribbett@irvingbible.org.

New Friends New LifeServe dinner to women healing from exploitation in the commercial sex industry every third Wednesday. Please contact Christine at newfriendsnewlife@irvingbible.org.

SeniorCare Volunteers NeededSeniorCare, a ministry of IBC, needs the following volunteers to help at assisted living and nurs-ing homes: a men’s group leader for Saturday or Sunday evenings, and leaders for Sunday morning services & communion twice a month at the Vil-lages; leaders for Sunday services twice a month at Ashford Hall; and volunteers to help with outings, personal visits and devotionals at MacArthur Hills. Please contact Mike at seniorcare@irvingbible.org.

Visitor Follow-Up Team (Rex Greenstreet Ministry)We are looking for a volunteer to make calls or send welcome emails (or both) to new visitors from IBC. Training and coaching will be provided. Contact Sherri at ssharp@irvingbible.org.

My ResourcesOnline Giving OptionIf you would fi nd it more convenient to donate to the ministries of Irving Bible Church online, visit irvingbible.org/give.

HOW DO I GET CONNECTED AT IBC?

FOR MORE INFO, VISIT IRVINGBIBLE.ORG/CONNECT OR LOOK FOR THE NEWCOMER GUIDES AT THE INFORMATION DESK.

Chatter…you CAN take it with you. Send us your Chatter photos on location, and you may see yourself in an upcoming issue. Email us at chatter@irvingbible.org.

VBS Master of Ceremonies, Nathan Lee and his mountaineering children (Garrett and Jessica ) take a break from their trek in the IBC Himilayas to read some Chatter.