J U LY 2 0 1 5

I witnessed God blessing everyone

we served. God worked through us.

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 youll 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 relationship 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 arent just saved, theyre 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 joining the mission at IBC, please contact
info@irvingbible.org.
CONTACT IBC
2435 Kinwest Pkwy
Irving, TX 75063
(972) 560-4600

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

New to IBC? Turn to page 18.

MIDDLE SCHOOL
MISSION TRIP

IBC 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!

Omar, NOLA mission trip participant

a letter from Chatter

Chatter is
Editor 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. Its so likeable.
*Most beloved and indispensable
Chatter Volunteer.
**Most beloved and indispensable
IBC staff member.

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 fingernails, 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 isnt the time to reflect.
When I get to the beach, then Ill take hold of my
life. Ill Think Thoughts then. Unless a kid needs
me to open his fun-pack of Doritos, or becomes
hysterical over a shared sand spade. Then Ill 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, Ill 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-thentan 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 well 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 wont.
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 running 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? Id love to know about
your tricks, secrets and back doors. Tell me what
youll do, who youll be, to ride the waves under a
north star this summer.
Together, Id 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

C HAT TE R FA C T I CON K EY
CULTURE

LANGUAGE

FOOD

LIFE

GENERAL

SCIENCE

GEOGRAPHY

TEXAS

HISTORY

TOMFOOLERY
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)

Chatter | 3

A
SPECIAL
PLAN

Chatter | 4

According to experts, the word

Kyrygyzstan is the most difficult
word to spell in, like, the whole
history of man.

Russia stretches
across 9 time zones.

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 prepared for them in IBCs 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?
Ive 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 Arzykans family; her son Nurmat, daughter-inlaw, 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 Arzykans face lights up. We find a quiet place near the coffee 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 (Arzykans daughter-in-law) and her husband Nurmat were living in Kyrgyzstan 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 daughters 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 daughters 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 ministry 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.

Shannon knew she wanted to introduce Arzykan to Lina, who was already volunteering 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 childrens ministry.
At that time, Victoria was volunteering in the IBC Special Needs ministry.
As Lina watched her daughters 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 Sunday 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 created 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 Gods house. Both of them are from far-away countries
and face similar struggles with language barriers.

In just a few
short months,
they have
become dear
friends.

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.

On Previous Page
Top: 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.

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.
Gods ways are unknown. You do not know what he has planned for you.
Its 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).

The CFNI has assisted native

congregations in building more
than 12,500 churches all over
the world.

Chatter | 5

Why
We
Serve
I

recently told Marion Mills 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 Preminger 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 affairs, divorce and attempted
suicide three times unsuccessfully before fleeing back to Vienna.
Thats 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 first lived what Albert then said! He
modeled a life of self-sacrifice to meet others needs. If we are going
to serve like him, we too must take our next step and become passionate about responding to the needsboth great and smallof 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. Hundreds of IBCers are serving like Jesus right here on the IBC Campus. 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, heres 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 community. I know youll be blessed as you do.
Pastor Andy

Chatter | 6

Vienna is known as the city of

dreams, the city of music, and
the city of dubious sausage.

WHY I SERVE HIGH SCHOOL

STUDENTS...

I didnt grow up a Christian. In high

school, my young life leaders, Tim
and Melissa, sacrificed time and
energy to show me Jesus in a way my
parents never could have. Ive spent
8 years trying to do that for someone
else. I serve because Im 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 FAMILIES WITH

SPECIAL NEEDS

I serve because I want to be Jesus

physical hands and feet to these
families. I serve to give these families 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 studies, support groups, and specialized care during
Sunday worship. Contact smiller@irvingbible.org
to learn more.

WHY I SERVE HOMELESS TEENS

AND FAMILIES IN NEED AT THE
MAIN PLACE

I remember the sacrificial love of

Jesus that the women of my church
demonstrated to the teenage me
when my mom died. Its 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 dont 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 SENIOR CITIZENS

WHY I SERVE AT-RISK KIDS

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, Ive had a heart for serving seniors for many years. Many
of those we serve have few family
or friends, and its Christs work
through us to offer a friendly face
and conversation. More importantly,
its a wonderful opportunity for both
volunteers and the seniors we serve
to grow in our faith.

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 its not easy for them to
catch up.

Mike Humphrey

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

IBC is involved in select senior care centers

in Irving. To learn more, contact tkinsman@
irvingbible.org.

Chatter | 3

Chatter | 8

The common banana is 75% water,

12% sugars, 5% starch, 3% fiber
and 5% things boring to Chatter.

Things besides the Boomstick that

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

Cricket was first played in

southern England in or before
the 16th centruy. Bacon is an
obvious upgrade.

Chatter | 9

This is the eye of the storm.

Sometimes, the safest place during a storm isnt the hallway closet.
Sometimes its at a table with someone you trust. Thats what Stephen
Ministry is all about.
Stephen Ministry at IBC provides one-to-one Christian
care to individuals who are experiencing difficulties 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 difficult season.

This is a confidential ministry. The identity of those receiving 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.

S TEPH EN M I N I S TRY

Chatter | 10

In 1975, Dr. Kenneth C.

Haughk trained the very
first Stephen Ministers.

Next Steps:
ATTENTIVENESS

Chatter asked IBC pastors to weigh in on their next steps for

the year personally, spiritually, or ministry-wise. Heres Tiffany.

So whats next for you?

Ruth Haley Barton defines attentiveness as the the capacity to recognize and
respond to the presence and the activity of Godboth 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, youre more apt to hear it and obey.

Its the question that Ive been asked frequently this past year. I have family members 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, Im not doing any of these things,
and its tempting for me to think that Im not accomplishing anything or actively
working toward a goal.

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.

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 community, and trying to find my way in a world where everything was new.

For me, Ive 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 otherwise I might forget, and when I say, Ill pray for you, I want to actually pray for
you with intentionality and specificity. Im also writing more cards and sending
encouragement emails more frequently. Im 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 Gods truth with them.

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

Im 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? Im just reading it to encounter God (as
the preface suggests). Im highlighting every time a name of God is mentioned. Im
underlining every action attributed to God. Im noting in the margins the characteristics of God. And then Im spending time in prayer, rereading those attributes of
God and praising him for who he is. In so doing, Im learning more about my good
Creator, his sovereign will, and his trustworthy ways.

Tired of being asked, So whats next for

you? I made the intentional decision
around New Years to really sit with this
question in 2015. Seven months into
the year, heres what Ive found: 2015
isnt about me accomplishing anything
external, something that can be tangibly
measured or checked off of a list. In fact,
2015 isnt about me at all. Its about God;
and its about me learning to be more
attentive to Gods presence.
I know it sounds clich, but bear with me.
The beautiful truth about attentiveness
to God is that its not something that I
can achieve, earn, or somehow force God
to grant me. Instead, its about surrender
to God and recognition of who he is.

ELOHIM (or Elohay) is the

first name for God found in
the Bible. Its used in the Old
Testament over 2,300 times.

And with just 5 months left in the year, my prayer continues to be, God, I dont
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.

Chatter | 11

Happier
Trails
Ahead

Everything changes once you become a single parent. Finances.

Relationships. The future you had envisioned. Single-mom Rosalind
shares her experience from IBCs One Parent+Kids.

hat drew me to register for One Parent+Kids was simple: the opportunity for healing, which I knew I needed. Initially, I was curious about
OP+K. Then I was nervous I didnt know anyone attending or leading the
class. I was also hesitant because I didnt want anything negative (like the
womens group in Jerry Maguire), and Id already been through DivorceCare
twice which was very helpful, but I needed something different. 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. Shes left alone to care for
children who have been equally wounded and disoriented, while trying to survive and figure out a whole new path to a different destination. And her wagon
is a really, really beat-up and depreciated Scion XB, 2005.

The two factors that finally 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, Ill admit it, the convenience of the Wednesday night
meal always delicious, with pb&j sandwiches for any kids who disagreed
with the main offering. (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 first 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 effective CEOs of our families. Each session
started on time, and was full of detailed, apply-right-now information, plus
time to respond/write/reflect, and time to interact with other people going on
similar paths of healing and rebuilding.

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 suffered 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 nowcondensed families around a Wednesday evening campfire and
regroup. (Metaphorical fire no smores, but plenty of compassion
and encouragement.)
The most empowering message Ive 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 Gods
intention to not only comfort us during painful times, but to develop strengths
in our family members because of the difficulties. 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 five children total
biological, step, and adopted and she says being a mom is her dream job.

ONE PARENT+KIDS

KICK-OFF

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Dont y solo. Whether your family is healing from the pain of divorce or just looking for new ways to build healthy communication, we invite you and your kids to
experience One Parent + Kids, a 12-week
program designed to enrich the lives of
single-parent families.

Chatter | 12

The name Scion means

heir or descendent.

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

During the summer months, its

estimated that 50% of marshmallows
sold are roasted for smores.
(The other 50% are jealous.)

SUPPLIES FOR SUCCESS

Bigger and Better: This Year

Thank you, IBC

For years, IBC has helped provide backpacks and school supplies for families in
need. In recent years, weve teamed up with the City of Irving and several corporate 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 support of the Annual Supplies for Success Event.
Every year since 2011, Irving Bible Churchs
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

Victor is the designation

for the letter V in the
NATO phonetic alphabet.

Ready to jump in? Good!

Starting school is hard enough without worrying about if youll
have a backpack or not. Thats why IBC is a key player in the City of
Irvings Supplies for Success initiative. Heres how you can help:

STUFF new!

Starting this year, IBC will be the drop point

for all donations coming in to Irving fire stations. That equals A LOT OF PENCILS.
We need help to sort supplies and fill
backpacks ever takes place. Were looking for 20 volunteers per shift each day,
Monday-Thursday, August 10-13. We have
a 9 a.m 12 p.m. shift and a 14 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 youd 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 supplies for the Supplies for Success event.
Write a check to IBC with Supplies for
Success in the memo line. Weve committed 1,000 backpacks to this event.

Chatter | 13

UPC O M I N G

July

August

JULY 2

JULY 18

AUGUST 9

Recovery Eatin Meetin

KNO Splash Night 69 p.m.

If you have ever considered going to Recovery,

See ad, pg. 16.

Writers Workshop 10 a.m.

Commons Annex

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

Join a community of people honing their writing

skills. Contact Donna at doreilly@irvingbible.org.

JULY 9-13
Middle School Beach Camp

JULY 19
Red Cross Blood Drive 9 a.m.2 p.m.

Baptism Orientation 12:30 p.m.

West C

Visit irvingbible.org/students for more information.

JULY 10-11

If you are interested in becoming baptized, the first

JULY 26

step is this mandatory orientation. Register at irvingbible.org/baptism.

Conference for Single Moms

Summer Lovin with Marriage at IBC

9 a.m.

Join Single Parents at IBC for the Survive N Thrive

See ad, pg. 17.

AUGUST 15

conference in Oklahoma. Contact jerlenbusch@

irvingbible.org.

AUGUST 10

See ad, this page.

Supplies for Success Begins

Supplies for Success Event

See ad, pg. 13.

See ad, pg. 13.

JULY 11
Guy Stuff Event

JULY 28

Join other boys from single-parent homes and learn

Freedom with Eating Small Group

about surviving in nature by making simple hunting

See ad, pg. 17.

devices. Contact mtribbett@irvingbible.org.

Writers Workshop 10 a.m.

Commons Annex
Join a community of people honing their writing

September
SEPTEMBER 3
One Parent + Kids Begins
See ad, pg. 12.

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 youll
hear about the work Mercy Street is doing in West
Dallas. RSVP to Tricia at tkinsman@irvingbible.org.

Summer Lovin with Marriage at IBC

9 a.m.
See ad, pg. 17.

GIVE A LITTLE

Life

THIS SUMMER.
JULY 13-17
High School Beach Camp
Visit irvingbible.org/students for more information.

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.

Chatter | 14

ON G OI N G

MEALS

BIBLE COMMUNITIES

MARRIAGE

STUDENTS

Middle/High School and College

SUNDAY
COMMUNITY MEALS

The Tree
9 a.m. West D
20s & 30s, married & young families

Marriage at IBC
Contact bmassey@irvingbible.org.

Middle School Sundays

Sundays 10:30 a.m.12:20 p.m.
Student Ministries area

6 p.m. Town Square

High School Sundays

Sundays, 6:458 p.m.
Student Ministries area

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 fixins, salad bar

Groups on Sunday

Crossroads
10:45 a.m. West C
Couples & Families late 20s to 40s

Growing Together

Pre-Marriage Mentoring
Visit irvingbible.org/marriage.

Journey
10:45 a.m. The Alcove
All Welcome

MEN

On Track
10:45 a.m. Conference Room
Single Parents

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

Thrive
10:45 a.m. West D
Singles in their 30s & 40s

First Watch Replay

Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.
Training Center
Contact brianarrington1@yahoo.com.

Renew
10:45 a.m. Training Center
All Welcome
Legacy Builders
6:45 p.m. West A All Welcome

Community and Resources

First Watch Xtra

Wednesday, 6:30 a.m.
Training Center
Contact bcope@huntoil.com.

Visit irvingbible.org/men.

Childrens Sunday Services

9 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 5 p.m.

HOPE & HEALING

Community Care

Abortion Recovery Counseling

Contact Kym at (972) 560-4632 or
kyeichner@irvingbible.org.
Recovery at IBC
Thursdays, 6:308:30 p.m.
West Wing Youth Lounge
A group for hurts, habits, and
hangups. irvingbible.org/recovery.
Shelter from the Storm
Sexual abuse support group. Contact shelterfromthestormibc@gmail.
com or (214) 725-0898
The Living Grace Group
For those with mental illness. Contact
Heath at heathmurry@yahoo.com.
Family Grace Group
Every other Monday
through August 24
For families/caregivers of those with
mental illness. Contact Buzz Moody
at myrabuzz@gmail.com.
NAMI Family-to-Family Class
Contact 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 Recovery
Contact kyeichner@irvingbible.org.

All July meals hosted by the

Summer Team.

WOMEN

Community and Resources

Summer Study
Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.
The Commons
Visit irvingbible.org/women.

YOUNG ADULTS

If youd like to serve on a Sunday

night meal team, contact Pat
OReilly at (214) 289-6176 or sundaynightmeal@irvingbible.org.

WEDNESDAY
MIDWEEK MEALS
56:20 P.M.

Events and Resources

CHILDREN

Infants Through 5th Grade

IBC College Ministry

Sundays, 3:30 p.m.
The Commons Annex
Contact college@irvingbible.org.

Meals are $3 per person or $10

max./family.

MISSION

Local and Global

Prayer Meeting
2nd and 4th Wednesdays
6:45-8 p.m. The Chapel
Laundry Love
First Saturday of the month
9 a.m.12 p.m.
Contact laundrylove@irvingbible.org.
New Friends New Life
Serve Dinner to women healing
from exploitation in the commercial
sex industry every third Wednesday.
Contact Christine at newfriendsnewlife@irvingbible.org.

Young Adults Summer Events

Check our Facebook page for upto-date fun activities this summer.

7/1

Pizza, salad, dessert

7/8

Burgers, french fries, beans,

dessert

Wednesday Nights at IBC

7/15

IBC Choir
Wednesdays, 78:30 p.m.
IBC Worship Center
Contact Crystal at
celwell@irvingbible.org.

Chicken tenders with dip,

chips, veggies, salad,
dessert

7/22

Pizza, salad, dessert

7/29

Chefs choice

2435 KINWEST

ESL: English as a Second Language

Wednesdays, 6:308:30 p.m.
AZ17, 18 and 19
Citizenship Class
Wednesdays, 6:308 p.m.
IBC Conference Room

SINGLE PARENT

IBC Career Transition Ministry

Wednesdays, 6:308 p.m.

Sit with us on Sunday!

9 a.m. service, lowest right-hand
section, Rows 5 & 6, facing the stage.
Visit irvingbible.org/singleparents.

Visit 2435kinwest.org.

Community and Resources

SPECIAL NEEDS
Community & Care

Small Group for Moms

Sundays, 10:45 a.m.12 p.m.
In His Image Bible Study
Sundays, 6:307:45 p.m
Small Group for Parents
Wednesdays, 6:308:15 p.m.
SonShine Pals and Room
Care during Sunday ministry.

Contact specialneeds@irvingbible.org.

Cost is $3/meal or $10 max./

family. PB&J sandwiches are
also available.

Changes to the menu may be made

depending on food cost, availability,
and Bob Downeys whim.
If youd like to serve on a Wednesday night meal team, please email
bdowney@irvingbible.org.

CUPPA HOURS
MonFri

9 a.m.8 p.m.

Saturday

11 a.m.5 p.m.

Sunday

7 a.m.7 p.m.

For kids in single-parent families

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

SATURDAY, JULY 18, 69 P.M.

Where: Cimarron Family Aquatic Center
201 Red River Trail, Irving, 75063

Topic: Protecting Our Communities Children

Come hear two of our local partners share about how
they protect the precious kids of our city. Speakers: Susan Het, Executive Director of Mercy House, and Katie
Pedigo, Executive Director of New Friends New Life.
RSVP: tkinsman@irvingbible.org.

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 attend the event, but parents are welcome to stay with their kids and
hang out if pre-registered online.
Questions? Contact Jennifer jerlenbusch@irvingbible.org.

Recovery
July 2, 6:30 p.m. in the Youth Wing
If youve ever considered checking out IBCs
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 alleviate 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.

Freedom
with
Eating

a small group

Tuesdays, July 28 September 1, 2015 (6 weeks)

6:30-8:30 p.m.
Commons Annex at IBC
Facilitated by Jennifer Lewis, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

MEN AT IBC

SIMPLIFY

Freedom with Eating is a 6-week biblically based small

group that encourages and equips women to find
find freedom 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

First Watch meets Fridays, 6:22 a.m.

In The Commons
Experience 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.

HOW DO I GIVE?
My Time, Talents & Skills

HOW DO I GET
CONNECTED AT IBC?

Find Your Spot

Each 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.

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

Family Promise Day Center Volunteers

The FP Day Center is where the adults go to develop 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.

Start

JOIN IN WORSHIP

Meal Team Volunteers

IBC 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.

So you found the address, a place to park, and a breath

mint on the way in. Good work! If youre reading this,
youve probably already taken the first step attending a
worship service. This is the first and most important place
to start, so keep coming. Become a regular. Make sure to
fill 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.

Medical Professionals Needed

Our 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 Families
Men and women are needed for gender-specific
mentoring of children from single-parent families.
Contact Marsha at mtribbett@irvingbible.org.
New Friends New Life
Serve dinner to women healing from exploitation in
the commercial sex industry every third Wednesday.
Please contact Christine at newfriendsnewlife@
irvingbible.org.
SeniorCare Volunteers Needed
SeniorCare, a ministry of IBC, needs the following
volunteers to help at assisted living and nursing homes: a mens group leader for Saturday or
Sunday evenings, and leaders for Sunday morning
services & communion twice a month at the Villages; 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.

CHECK OUT THE NEWCOMER GATHERING

So youre kicking the IBC tires? Good! Were so glad youre
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 PROPEL

All right! Youre 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 fit in. Meet many of our pastors and directors of
ministries at IBC. Next Propel: September 20October 4

JOIN A COMMUNITY
Youre firing on all cylinders but something is missing. And
that something is a someone, or a group of someones.
Enter sermon-based Small Groups, Womens Bible Study,
First Watch, and more. We encourage you to find a group
and connect authentically with others.
Visit irvingbible.org/adults.

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 Resources
Online Giving Option
If you would find it more convenient to donate to
the ministries of Irving Bible Church online, visit
irvingbible.org/give.

FIND A PLACE TO SERVE

Youve come a long way since that first breath mint. Youve
been busy worshipping, learning, relating, and committing.
And its 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.

FOR MORE INFO, VISIT IRVINGBIBLE.ORG/CONNECT OR LOOK

FOR THE NEWCOMER GUIDES AT THE INFORMATION DESK.

Chatter | 18

The term newbielikely originated

during the Vietnam War for soldiers
just coming in to a new unit.

TEMPLE
OF DAD

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-afroed
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 dont click on every link that pops up in your Twitter feed,
the dad bod, as its been dubbed, is currently in vogue. (Perhaps even in Vogue,
too, but Im 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. Its 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 dont 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 didnt go
from gym rat to Gymboree shopper the easy, pass-me-a-fourth-bag-of-minidonuts way. No, I actually had to work out to reach this level of mediocrity. I
joke with my wife that Ive been bulking up to average. And like most of my
jokes, its 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

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.

architecture as it pertains to housing the Holy Spirit? I realize I shouldnt 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, Ive managed to squeeze a column of suspect quality out of it, so thats 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 cant win kids to Christ by creeping them out. Been there, done
that many times. Been asked to stop many times. I guess Ill 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 Pauls 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.

FACT: The best donuts in the

world can be found at Round
Rock Donuts in Round Rock,
Texas. Youve been warned.

Chatter | 19

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.

Chatteryou 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.