JUNE 2013

a letter from

Chatter

In an effort to Diaz-inate myself a term I developed in college for working out a la Cameron Diaz I have been expanding my small horizons. I started by upping the intensity level on the Stair Master. (What a mistake!) Still believing myself capable of more, I signed up for a barre class. (Dont you dare forget the double-r and e at the end.) When that was just too precious and pedestrian, I rolled the dice with a mode of exercise that finally ended up being way beyond the pale Nia. The web site described Nia as a sensory-based movement practice that draws from martial arts, dance arts and healing arts. While the healing arts part put some strain on my evangelical tendencies, the whole thing in general seemed like a Vegas buffet of cardiovascular fun. The class began in an un-air-conditioned room that featured one wall of mirrors, a wall of windows that faced the street, a brick wall with a barre (double-r, e!), and a sheet rock wall with a big white lotus painted on it. The eight of us were encouraged to remove our shoes and begin connecting with our inner sense of time. Our instructor was wearing gaucho pants that flowed like an inky mystery around her legs. She tucked the large billows into her waistband, which made her vaguely resemble Aladdin. Thirteen joints and twenty digits, she crooned, her wrists twirling, her fingers wiggling, and her head rolling around on her shoulders. Dont begin to move until your inner sense of time permits you The music was gaining intensity. I wondered when the structured portion of the class would begin, which turned out to be the height of wishful thinking. Then, without warning, Aladdin began waddling. Walk like a duck! she commanded, and suddenly we were all swaying side to side in time to the beat (well, to the beats of our various inner times), heel-ball, heel-ball, heel-ball, QUACK! Wait, did she just quack? Yep. Unmistakably. And QUACK, and QUACK, and QUACK! While I couldnt bring myself to audibly quack, I believed my internal quacking was on a much more sophisticated level. I was also becoming aware of something happening with two of my twenty digits: my big toes were blistering.

Now take a wide stance, she said, bringing her hands together over her head like I Dream of Genie. With one fluid motion, her whole body turned serpentine as arms, hips, legs, and back writhed like one of those blow-up dancing guys they put out in front of car dealerships. She was breathless: And UNDULATE, and UNDULATE, and UNDULATE! When I caught sight of my undulation in the mirror, I wished that we could all go back to the good old days of duck-walking. Things only got worse. I want you to connect with your thumbs, she continued, still undulating, apparently not giving anything other than mental assent to the existence of her thumbs, which proved difficult for me to do. After all, who can think about two very specific fingers when trying to support movement only performed in Hookah lounges on blistered feet? I caught sight of the other women in the room. It was difficult to appreciate their individuality because if I thought too much about how they each probably got up that morning and ate a bowl of cereal and brushed their teeth and checked Facebook, the scene of them all together undulating and connecting with their thumbs would surely send me into hysterics. And while most any form of personal expression seemed welcome in the Nia room, hysterics didnt seem to be one of them. The women all appeared so deliberate, so born to connect with their inner senses of time. They truly danced like no one was watching, much as the plaque in your mothers kitchen suggests. Yet I couldnt help but steal glances. I couldnt help but try to make myself look better than them. They were caught up in the mystery of whatever was happening under the watchful lotus flower; I was caught up in self-consciousness and scrutiny. It takes great faith to let yourself go, to trust someone outside of yourself, even if it is just an exercise instructor. How much harder it can be to follow the promptings of Gods Holy Spirit, to release control to the one who made me and who is for me and who wants to move through me. When it really matters, I struggle to escape my own sense of propriety and self-possession that stands in total contrast to the childlike trust Jesus requires. Psalm 25:3 holds a promise for people like me: No one who hopes in [God] will ever be put to shame. Best word from that verse? Ever. If only as much could be said for Nia.

Editor Julie Rhodes Art Direction, Design & Goodness Josh Wiese, Lindsey Sobolik, Dennis Cheatham Admin Extraordinaire Victoria Andrews Our Very Tall Boss Scott McClellan, Communications Pastor Editorial Assistance/Proofing Summer Alexander*, Annie Stone*

Photography Charles Stafford (Book Spine Poetry, The Beam)* Evan Chavez (Table 10)* Jill Park (Photo Update)* Writers Jason Fox (Idle Chatter)* Shawn Small (My Stand)*

Thoughts, comments, ideas? Contact Chatter at chatter@irvingbible.org. Need Chatter Digitally? Chatter is on the web at irvingbible.org/chatter. *Most beloved and indispensable Chatter Volunteer.

Irving Bible Church: a community on a journey.

Thanks for picking up Chatter. Chatter is a publication of Irving Bible Church in Irving, Texas.
Why are we here?
IBC is on a journey committed to life transformation through Jesus Christ. We engage this journey by growing in Christ, connecting in community, and joining the mission. This commitment comes from Jesus words in the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36-39) and Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).

How do we do this?
Growing in Christ At the heart of the journey is the gospel of Jesus Christ, the story of the Son of God coming into our dark world to bring light, life, hope and transformation. The journey begins when we trust Christ, but it doesnt end there. Gods desire for each of us is for our hearts and lives to become more like the one who has saved us (Ephesians 4:11-13). Connecting in Community The gospel story draws us into a community of people whose lives have been transformed by Jesus. This journey is not one that we undertake alone. We are designed to do life together as a community of Christ-followers. It is essential that we walk with one another on the journey (John 13:34-35). Joining the Mission The gospel tells us that one day God will take all that is broken in this world and make it whole. Those of us who are on the journey together are called to be people who do what we can to make glimpses of that day show up in our day. We do this by telling the gospel story and demonstrating gospel-shaped love to a needy world (Matthew 28:18-20).

Contact IBC

Irving Bible Church | 2435 Kinwest Pkwy, Irving, TX 75063 | (972) 560-4600 Web irvingbible.org | Twitter @ibcvoice | Facebook irvingbible
Sign up for the IBC eLetter, a weekly email update for key ministry event information and announcements, along with a short devotional by Pastor Andy to encourage you on your journey week-to-week. Subscribe today at irvingbible.org/eletter. New to IBC? Turn to page 18.

Photo Update: Propel & Schoolworks

IBCers plugging into the heart and mission of IBC through the Propel class (P). Schoolworks volunteers and IBC staff honoring Irving ISD teachers at the annual Teacher Appreciation Lunch at Townsell Elementary (S).

A lot can happen when you invite your waiter to church. 

It was just another typical night at Chilis for server Brendan Bridwell when he took on a group of teenagers nobody else wanted. They were a handful of kids coming in after an Ultimate Frisbee game already two strikes against getting a good tip: students, late night but for some reason, Brendan shrugged and said why not?
Brendan, a senior at Flower Mound High School, hit it off instantly with his guests. He told them his name. They started chuckling. One of their names was Brendan, too. They went to Coppell High School. After bantering back and forth over the course of their stay, the kids started asking Brendan questions about where he went to church. He was in between churches, he said. He was looking for another church, he said. Little did they know what lay behind his friendly nametag and professional smile. The truth was, Brendan had been keeping a secret for about a year and a half now, one that belied a deeper secret he had carried most of his life: his faith had never been real. And last years hospital stay for meningitis? That had actually been a suicide attempt. No one, not even Brendans parents, knew the full story. Back to Table 10 at the Flower Mound Chilis off 2499. It was bold, but by the end of the night, Baxter, Madison, Bethany and Brendan (who is now nicknamed Frenchy) had invited Brendan Bridwell to attend SWAG at IBC. SWAG stands for Student Worship and Gathering, and meets Wednesday nights for high school students to connect and worship together. I told them that Id check it out, says Brendan, But really in the back of my head I was thinking, I aint going to this church. Ill probably never see these kids again. Which might have been true, had not Brendan run into Tara Sullivan at school the very next day. Also an IBC kid, Tara had heard her friends had talked to Brendan about SWAG the night before, and she was insistent that he come, despite the rather amazing fact given high school dynamics that she and Brendan had never really met or talked at school before. Brendan remembers thinking, If these people want me to go to this SWAG night so badly that some random girl has to stop me in the hallway, then I will go. And SWAG did not disappoint. I was being hugged by every girl and guy at the church which was, at first, extremely weird like, why are these people touching me? But then I was like, Dang, these people just

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dont care what others think! and I honestly love that. Before he knew it, Brendan was all signed up to go to Winter Retreat, just a couple of weeks away. And it came quickly. Pumped up by his newfound friendships and excited by all the retreat activities, Brendan blew off the first teaching session. That is, until it came time for each student in his small group to share their personal goals for the weekend. When it came to my turn, I couldnt really think of anything, says Brendan. I was honestly about to give some baloney answer, but I didnt for some odd reason. I decided to just be completely honest to these seven guys. Brendan went on to tell his group he had recently lost Christ and given up on religion all together, but that ever since coming to IBC, he had started to believe. I want to fully accept Christ again, Brendan remembers confessing out loud. That was my number one goal. Brendan made no bones about it then, but he hadnt always been so honest about his spiritual search. The son of Baptist parents who taught Bible studies and faithfully attended church, Brendan knew from an early age what he was supposed to say and believe, yet the Christian message had never rung true in his soul. He had prayed the prayer at age 6. He had gone to church camp. Everything looked good on paper, yet something wasnt working. I had struggled pretty much all growing up. I didnt know what was going on, says Brendan. Id sit through sermons, and I would just look up when they would pray. I was just doing what everybody else was doing, and I didnt want to stand out. But when high school hit and all the drama of adolescence had reached a fever pitch, going through the mo-

SWAG stands for Student Worship and Gathering.

tions just wasnt going to cut it. The faith Brendan had been fed wasnt working for real life, so he turned to other things. I was in the wrong crowds, doing stupid things that I should have never done. My head just was not screwed on right. Then one night, Brendan was in his bed wide awake, unable to sleep for the life of him. All I could think of was how bad my life was my grades were failing, Id gotten suspended from school twice, my girlfriend at the time had just broken up with me, and my parents were always yelling at me. I was a spitting image of a child gone wrong. Usually when he couldnt sleep, Brendan would take one or two Benadryl to help. This time was different. He looked at the bottle for a few seconds, then poured about 50 or 60 pills into his palm and swallowed them. He did that four times. Then he went upstairs, got in bed, and fell asleep. I didnt see my future ever getting better and wanted to put me, and everyone else who had to deal with me, out of their misery, he says. When Brendan woke up later, he wasnt in his room anymore. He was in the hospital. And he was very, very angry. God had given me a second chance and I hated him,

he says. And so he abandoned the faith, floundering between atheism and Buddhism in the months that followed. A friend who was practicing Buddhism lent him a few books, which consoled him for a little while. Buddhism is this way of life, not a religion at all, and thats what appealed to me. I liked having guidelines to live your life to the fullest and be happy. I didnt want to praise a god, I just wanted to live my life. Yet life was getting harder to live. It was difficult enough keeping his suicide attempt a secret, and harder still because Brendan was not receiving the proper counseling he needed. He was just trying to get through life waiting tables, playing tennis, picking up guitar, whitewashing everything. And then he met those kids at Chilis. At the Winter Retreat, speaker Peter Nelson captured Brendans imagination with a story he told about a teenage girl he had known. Nothing was going right in her life, said Peter, and everything seemed so hopeless. One night in the shower she was

about to do something terrifying and hurtful to herself. Just then, her mom stuck her head in the bathroom saying a girl from school was on the phone. She answered the call and was shocked when she found out that this random person had called to see if she wanted to hang out, to become her friend. Peter then told the audience how extremely different his life would have been if that girl would have died that night; that he couldnt think for a second what would be like to live without his wife by his side. When Peter concluded

kicks back off September 4. Bigger and swaggier than ever.

SWAG

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his talk, Brendan was amazed. The story, the whole talk, seemed meant specifically for him. It was as if the real Jesus not the storybook Jesus of his childhood was calling to him. Brendans goal for the retreat was being realized. A friend was all Peters wife had wanted as a teenager, and as for Brendan, well, now he had a lot of friends. To this day, he is still amazed at how Frenchy and the gang reached out to him so generously that night at Chilis; how the IBC youth group feels like such a family. I just feel like a giant weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I feel safe now. Ive never felt this way before, and Im at peace with myself, says Brendan. Hes also ready for a new chapter, one that includes attending Oklahoma State University in the fall and maybe picking up some intramural tennis games. Hes not quite sure what he wants to study, but its a five-way tie between psychology, mechanical engineering, law, computer programming, and business management. The real engine pow-

ering Brendans life comes from a verse Peter Nelson shared with him personally at the end of the retreat: 2 Corinthians 1:3-5: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. The second I heard those three verses, I immediately knew what I needed to do with my life, says Brendan. And that was share my story, like Peter shared his wifes story, so I can help people who have suffered as I did find their way back to Christ. Julie Rhodes waited tables at On The Border in college where she became a high priestess of guacamole.
Julie edits Chatter and corrals preschoolers. Check out her blog at wetbehindtheearsblog.com.

Brendan (center) with Baxter and Madison.

The Beam Additions

When the Worship Center was under construction in 2002, IBCers wrote the names of friends and family on the large central beam that would support the ceiling. The names represented loved ones who didnt yet have a relationship with Jesus. Over this past season of Lent, IBCers were invited once again to prayerfully add more names to aluminum sheets that would be attached to the original beam. On May 13, the additions were installed. Continue to pray for those people in your life who are outside the community of faith, whether they be your neighbor, your second cousin twice removed or even your waiter at Chilis.

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Summer Book Poetry

IBC staff has read all kinds of good books so far in 2013 (including, but not limited to, spiritual stuff ), so look no further for legit summer reading recommendations. But leave it to Chatter to up the ante: weve turned these titles into book spine poetry.* Its what we call a win-win-Wendell-Holmes.

Pursuing Gods will together with wild, bossy pants Jane Eyre. Shes got issues; shes come undone.
Hot Mess 2013 With by Skye Jethani; Wild by Cheryl Strayed; Bossy Pants by Tina Fey; Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte; Shes Got Issues by Nicole Unice; Shes Come Undone by Wally Lamb

The hour I first believed: One thousand gifts, promise of stardust; so long insecurity.
Faith 2013 The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb; One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp; Promise of Stardust by Priscille Sibley; So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore

Tell me a story with deep-and-wide, necessary endings.

Bedtime 2013 Tell Me A Story by Scott McClellan; With by Skye Jethani; Deep and Wide by Andy Stanley; Necessary Endings by Henry Cloud

*This page was inspired by artist Nina Katchadourians work in Sorted Books (reviewed by Maria Popova on brainpickings.org).

Prayer is one of our core values at IBC. If you would like to receive our weekly Prayer at IBC eLetter with specific IBC ministry and partnership needs to pray for, please sign up at irvingbible.org/prayer.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families, students, and individuals leaving their comfort zones to serve the world in unique ways this summer. In addition to safety, unity and effectiveness, here are a few more specific things to pray for each trip.
Haiti: June 19-27, Families, individuals A wide variety of IBCers will be traveling to Haiti this summer, from families with children to single individuals; from experienced globe-trotters to firsttime travelers. The team will be headed for a Haitian sports camp to serve and form relationships with impoverished kids. The goal is to bring a backpack, t-shirt, soccer ball and pair of shoes for each child. Pray That all the supplies will be raised in advance especially shoes. Mombasa, Kenya: August 1-12, Young Adults Austin, Texas: June 10 15, Middle School IBC Middle Schoolers will be partnering with three nonprofit organizations that feed the hungry and minister to the homeless of Austin, including Mobile Loaves and Fishes, a program started by a local church for the purpose of addressing the needs of the chronically homeless. Pray That the students will remember that serving and loving others is really

serving and loving Jesus.

IBC missionaries John and Jane Smith* founded the Light of Life library in Mombasa, Kenya for the local population of Kutchi Muslims they are trying to reach with the love of Jesus. Young Adults from IBC will be traveling to serve in the Library and encourage the team ministering to the Kutch. sister Martha who served the Kutch by their side for 10 years. Also pray that the team can raise their support in a timely way, and that our friends in Kenya will feel loved and supported even in the weeks and months after we leave.

DFW Area: July 29 - August 1, Middle School

Pray For continued comfort for John and Jane as they mourn the loss of Janes

Middle School students will be partnering with three Dallas organizations that focus on very different needs in our community. Students will get the chance to serve at Dickinson Place, a nonprofit that provides safe and affordable housing and programming to senior citizens. Kids will get their hands dirty and learn about the food needs of our city with The Gleaning Network of Texas. The week will end with serving St. Phillips School and Community Center, an organization that strives to enhance the lives of local students and families. the needs of the world.

Pray That the students will be impressed with the bigness of God to meet

*Names have been changed to protect the identity of these missionaries.

San Antonio, Texas: July 21 - July 26, High School IBC High School students will be heading to Mission Road Developmental Center, a nonprofit that has served children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1947. Their service will have dual focus: the ministry of presence and some good old-fashioned hard work. Their goal will be to serve, play, and form relationships with the kids there. Pray That the students will be able to step outside of themselves and let Gods

Mission is more than a trip. (But its no less than free lunch.)
Mission at IBC is all about a mindset, a perspective that sees every moment as an opportunity to join Gods redemptive work in the world. If you are interested in learning more about Mission at IBC its vision, partnerships, and opportunities join us for a special Sunday lunch on July 14. Youll hear from the newest members of the Mission at IBC staff as they challenge us to expand the usual definitions of outreach, missions, and evangelism. Sunday, July 14, 12 p.m. in West A&B Please RSVP for this free lunch by contacting missions@irvingbible.org.

love flow through them.

Dominican Republic: July 26 - August 1, High School

High School students will be partnering with a school in a needy community in the Dominican Republic, dividing their time between work projects at the school and spending time with the local kids. the language barrier would not be an issue.

Mission Introduction Lunch

Pray For the cultural exchange to be fueled by Gods spirit and presence. That

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One of historys earliest references to a passport is found in Nehemiah (Chapter 2) from 450 B.C.

The City of Austin was originally called Waterloo in the 1830s. Fitting.

Before 1971 the name Summer did not appear in the top 1,000 of the Social Security Administrations list of popular baby names.

As Stacy stood next to her friends wiping her tears away and dancing, my heart was overflowing with love for her and pride for all she has overcome. It was a beautiful moment. A moment to treasure. But the beautiful moments are often woven into the agonizing ones, arent they? Unfortunately, we cannot protect our children from every painful moment. In fact, some of our children, whether biological children or those we choose to care for, will go through immense times of pain and sadness, grief and fear whether or not we do our best to protect them. Stacys parents did not protect her. As the oldest child with five younger siblings and a mother and stepfather who are addicted to gambling and alcohol, her life has known much pain. Even now, every time Stacy calls home, the only thing her mother wants to talk about is why Stacy is not helping to provide financially for her family. That pressure is what led Stacy at the age of 14 to accept a job in a restaurant in Manila, very far away from the small island where she grew up. Thankfully, she was apprehended at the port in Cebu en route before she was sexually exploited. A year later, she has grown so much and has come to realize what it really means to be loved. Im so thankful for good parents, those who grieve their childrens pain and strive to teach them courage and perseverance. And Im thankful for the parents although not biological that serve as the mothers and fathers to our girls at My Refuge House. Lastly, Im thankful for you, our supporters, all of whom are making it possible for us to raise up children who were previously discarded and show them love, often for the very first time. Want to hear another beautiful thing? Because of IBCs generosity, we have recently broken ground on our second home in Cebu! This building will allow us to expand and care for up to 18 girls by January 2014. Slowly, we are growing to meet the severe demand that exists in Cebu for quality aftercare for rescued girls. And we are looking forward to many more moments to treasure. At My Refuge House, every day is a day for beautiful things. Every day hosts moments to treasure. Every day, girls like Stacy make steps forward, steps towards healing. For that, I cannot express words strong enough to show my gratitude. Crystal Sprague spends too much time trying to figure out why big ugly glasses make men look so attractive.
Crystal is the Executive Director of My Refuge House, an IBC Partner based in Cebu, Philippines dedicated to restoringyoung survivorsof the sex trade.

B E A U T I F U L

Things

Crystal Sprague, Director of My Refuge House, is grateful to find beauty in brokenness.

ven though the sun is not yet risen, the world around me seems alive and ready for the day. It is 5 a.m. and I am sitting on a patio in the middle of Cebu City, Philippines, listening as the sounds of a small bubbling creek conflict with the early morning noises of mopeds and jeepneys. It seems contradictory that the two sounds should be in the same place, one so calm and the other so chaotic. But there is another conflict existing in my heart. And this one is much harder to process than the noises around me on a tropical morning. This conflict arises as I reflect on the words of Stacy,* one of the girls in our home who was rescued from trafficking, as she talked about her family. She spoke these words only yesterday while accepting an award for her educational achievements at My Refuge House. It was our Fourth Recognition Day, a time to honor the girls who have been through so much turmoil and yet push themselves daily to overcome the remnants of exploitation and abuse they have endured. The girls accepted their awards with smiles of delight and embarrassed giggles, awards like Most Diligent and Best Student and Most Improved. They danced a few choreographed dances to worship songs, and like most children, were excited to perform and display their hard work and talents. Then, three of the girls, all high school students, went to the stage to thank God for their progress. Two of the three had to pause to wipe away tears. Stacy couldnt finish her speech without a caring staff member on each side of her for reassurance. These were her words: When I was a child, I didnt feel love from my family. Now that Im a teenager, I can feel their love a little... but its not enough. I always needed more, until I arrived here at My Refuge House. This is the only place I ever felt real love. I feel it from the staff and the director and even the people from the U.S. (who make this home possible). I was so thankful to God and to the staff that, even if I am bad, they are still willing to teach us, and have love to teach us.

*Stacys name has been changed for her protection. Her legal case against her traffickers is still pending.

My Refuge House

MRH is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization thatprovides a safe home to empower and restore survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and abuse in Cebu, Philippines. MRH opened in January 2009 and has served over 30 girls in the program. With the help of IBC, MRH has broken ground on a second home that will open as early as January 2014.

Originally constructed from leftover Jeeps after World War II, jeepneys are small buses that serve as public transportation in the Philippines.

In addition to being a Philippine province, Cebu is also the cow-like animal featured in one of Larrys Silly Songs from Veggie Tales.

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called me into a different kind of ministry. After more than a decadeand-a-half of work in the hallowed halls of a church, God called me into the mission of the marketplace. Before, I made my living as a church leader. Now I make my living as a lawyer. So I have a unique perspective.

or sixteen years, I worked as a full-time pastor. And then God

I know that sounds backwards. The general sense in Christendom is that, for the faithful, the road leads in the other direction. That someday, as people who follow Jesus mature in their faith, they grow up and out of the workaday world where mere mortals live, and graduate into positions in pastoral ministry or church work or the nonprofit arena. The most common question I get when people learn my background is: Why? Why did you leave ministry to go into the legal profession? This has been a subject of extreme significance to me since I was very young. I grew up with a father who believed that in the Bible we see the stories of people who lived life in the kingdom in ways that honored God and made him smile. One of those ways was the disciple Peters way leave your livelihood behind and devote the work of your life to the kingdom cause within the church. And another was the apostle Pauls way pour your life into a livelihood that provides a platform for advancing the kingdom. Interestingly, if you want to know what the Spirit has in mind for most of us, listen to Paul when he talks to the Thessalonians. He says to them repeatedly, Remember how we lived when we were among you. How hard we worked. Day and night, we labored. We wouldnt even eat your food without paying you for it (2 Thessalonians 3:7-8). If you know about church ministry, and Pauls role in it, you have to be thinking, Why? Paul obviously had a right to make his living from the work he was doing in the context of the church. Why did he work outside that context for his livelihood? Almost as if he knew you would ask, Paul writes, We did this to set you an example, to make ourselves a model for you to follow (vs. 9). The man who led me to Christ, a wonderful Irish missionary, said to me one time, Be very careful how you think about work. You arent there by chance. God places people, and if you wonder where he needs the most people, look for where he has the most openings. There are few openings inside the church walls, and of course God needs very special people there. But the majority of the positions he has open are in offices like mine, and in boardrooms and classrooms, on highway crews, in hospitals and health clinics, and on and on we could go. God is placing his people in those positions. If you are a follower of Jesus, you know that you are not where you work by chance. You know that God is at work, too. Psalm 37:23 says, The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Philippians 2:13 and Ephesians 2:10 say that he is at work in us. That we are his workmanship, and he designed us for work that he prepared in advance for us to do. Yet the vast majority of us look at where hes placed us, and instead of attending to where we are and tuning our lives to the mission God has for us in that place, we stare longingly out the window for some other place. I sat at dinner one evening with a high-level executive from one of the worlds premiere software companies, and during the meal we began to talk about our faith and work in the marketplace. He is a man of deep, profound faith and extraordinary intelligence and talent, and has risen from the lowest levels of his work world into its executive ranks. There was a long silence at the table, and then he said, Do you realize how little help there is for us? He was referring to the subtle, unstated theme running through the body of Christian literature that communicates the message: Someday, Christ followers should mature to the point that they leave their shallow, meaningless work in the marketplace and graduate into positions in church, parachurch,
"Work It" was a cancelled ABC TV series from 2012 that featured two men who must dress as women to hold jobs in a bad economy.

Your Work Matters to God

Chatter | 10

or nonprofit organizations. In truth, there is little biblical training or depth of teaching to guide us in the reality that more often, when we grow and mature in Christ, he places us in positions outside the walls to advance the kingdom for his sake. In my work, we recruit and hire a number of the brightest young law students every year, and, among them, occasionally there are followers of Jesus. Almost always, they wrestle with what it means to work and at the same time live out their faith. They ask about what it means to do a good job but also serve God. And that is a very interesting way to ask the question. How do I do my work and work for God, as if the two were different things. As if they were trying to multitask while in the office. Put differently, the most common question seems to be, How do I do Gods work with the demands my job places on me? After all, this job takes time, effort, and energy. How do I squeeze in the work of God? But if, in fact, God has planned our work for us, and if he is attending to the details of our lives, and if we are attuned and attentive to him, then we are not where we are by chance. The question should not be, The question should How do I do the work of God and do not be, How do I do this? But rather, What is the work the work of God and do of God in this? Paul said, speaking of the work we do with our hands, Do it with the whole of your heart. Its for the Lord you are working. We have separated that and said, This is my job. I work at it for me, for my livelihood in order to pay my bills. And then I work at some parachurch organization or in some nonprofit or on some nonprofit board or at a church, and thats what I do for God. But the Bible doesnt speak of our work that way. So the question should become, If God has me here, why? What is it he has for me to do? How might it be redemptive in the lives of others? Here is a profound truth: Your work matters to God. Yet a common theme among young men and women in the marketplace is how terribly anxious they seem to get out of the marketplace and into something that matters to exit the offices of the law firm or the offices of the accounting firm or wherever they are and rush into a place that offers meaning and soul satisfaction. They talk at great lengths about searching for a position in which they will find fulfillment. And I always scratch my head and wonder, because I cant imagine Paul ever doing a seminar on finding soul fulfillment in weaving fabric for tents yet that was Pauls work. But we know Paul wasnt just weaving tents. Something was being woven into him, and into other lives as God used him. God was taking Pauls hard work and the provision from it (and the respect that it gained), and using that seemingly insignificant work to set him above reproach and earn him a level of respect and honor and credibility in a community that, even among those who didnt share his faith, saw something of the kingdom in him. Pauls tents were making him every bit as much as he was making them. Samuel Sandmel, the reformed Jew, never believed in Christ, but he said that there may never have been a man as great as Paul. Because whether you believed Pauls theology or not, his way of life provided a platform. Reggie White is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and in the minds of some, is one of the greatest defensive ends to ever play the game. Before his death in 2004, he was asked what it meant to play pro football at that level. Imagine the time and intensity and effort and devotion that went into playing professional sports of that caliber. Yet Reggie Whites answer was always the same as he spoke about his deep love for Jesus. Its a platform. It provides me
During the 2005 season, both Green Bay and Philadelphia retired Reggie White's 92 jersey.

an opportunity to speak into the lives of people that I would never otherwise have an opportunity to speak into. How does God want to use your work and the platform it provides? In our new Sunday Teaching series, Good Work, well be telling your stories and wrestling with hard questions like: What is the purpose of my work? How can I find meaning and serve customers in a cut-throat, bottom-line-oriented workplace? How can I use my skills in my vocation in a way that has meaning and purpose, whether Im a student, a stay-at-home mom, or a company executive? Can I stay true to my values and still advance in my field? How do I make the difficult choices that must be made in the course of a successful career? In the words of Tim Keller, That we work to serve others and not ourselves can provide the foundation of a thriving professional and balanced personal life. Excellence, integrity, discipline, creativity, and passion in the workplace really can help others and even be considered acts of worship not just self-interest. Jay Utley won a disco dance contest with his wife Vickie, but never pursued dance professionally.
Jay teaches on Sundays as a member of the IBC Teaching Team. He is a partner at Baker & McKenzie LLP in Dallas where he primarily handles patent litigation.

this? But rather, What is the work of God in this?

N E W I B C T E AC H I N G S E R I E S

From the beginning, God has been at work in the world. And his work is very good. Our work can also be very good, no matter where we happen to be invested in the home, at school, or in the cubicle next door. Join Us Sundays at IBC, Starting May 26
Week 1: The Value of Our Work Week 2: The Purpose of Our Work Week 3: When Work Feels Empty Week 4: When Work Becomes About Me Week 5: Rewriting the Story of Our Work Week 6: Redirecting the Way We Work Week 7: Redefining the Power of Our Work

Media from past Teaching Series can be found at irvingbible.org/media.

Like Paul, 18th century missionary William Carey was also a tentmaker except in India.

Chatter | 11

Making a list, checking it twice

The items on this list will feed a family of four for a week, minus fresh meat, milk, fruit, and veggies: 1 Jar Peanut Butter 1 Jar Jelly 4 Cans Soup 2 Cans Misc. Veggies 4 Cans Tuna 2 Cans Chicken 2 Misc. Meat 3 Cans Greens Beans 3 Cans Corn 3 Cans Misc. Beans 2 Cans fruit 1 Jar Pasta Sauce 1 Bag Beans 1 Bag Rice 1 Pkg. Pasta 3 Boxes Mac & Cheese 1 Box Hamburger Helper 2 Boxes Cereal 1 Box Tuna Helper 1 Box Pancake Mix 1 Bottle Syrup

Think this grocery list is long? Multiply it by 20. Thats what it takes to feed hungry families every month at IBC. We rely on your help to keep our Food Pantry well stocked and going strong. Please bring your boxed/canned items to the donation box in IBCs Town Square any day of the week.

KidVenture

What better way to teach your kids to serve than by serving with them? Last months KidVenture project was organizing and bagging groceries for the IBC Food Pantry. Children at IBC collected food donations for the IBC Food Pantry in April and May.

Next Family Promise event: The week of June 23

Family Promise is a national faith-based organization designed to meet the immediate needs of families who find themselves homeless. It is a unique program that partners with local churches to house families for one week at a time in rotation. The parents spend their days at their jobs (if they have them) or at a day center learning interview skills and doing job searches. Their children attend school and catch the bus right at the day center. Parents also search for affordable housing at the day center, and then each night they return to the host church for a meal and an overnight stay. Last summer, Family Promise Irving opened its doors and IBC was first in line as a partner, offering 4 weeks/year where we house, feed, transport, and love on these families. We have already housed families for four weeks and it has been the greatest blessing to every volunteer that provided a meal, stayed overnight, or drove guests back and forth from the day center. We have developed relationships with these families, and have seen four families already graduate from the program with a secure job and a home they can afford. IBCs next opportunity to host homeless families will be the week of June 23rd. We will once again be looking for volunteers to help out. If youd like to see what its all about, please visit irvingbible.org/localmissions. For those who sign up, we will be hosting a short training June 23 from 10:1510:40 a.m. or from 12:1512:45 p.m. If youd like more information about Family Promise Irving, contact Tricia at tkinsman@irvingbible.org.

My Stand Against Missionalism

We live in an age where we have a clearer picture of the plight of humanity than any other generation. Crises like human trafficking, a

decaying environment, crippling poverty and an uncountable number of other world issues vie for attention. These social ills, no doubt, break the heart of God. We live in an age of social awareness and action. There are a multitude of motives for each person picking up a cause. But what happens when we, as Christ followers, become fixated on changing our world instead of reflecting Gods love through our actions? Are there times when our longing to bring solutions is fueled by our fear of living insignificant lives? I have certainly been guilty of believing that my ultimate worth was determined by all the significant accomplishments I could attain in this lifetime. How many sermons have I preached about not wasting our lives? How many times have I done good works because it makes me look or feel better rather than serving as my act of worship? Do I hear Gods call to love a hurting world or am I trying to collect invisible merit badges to relieve personal guilt? Writer Gordon MacDonald labels this dilemma of obtaining worth through our accomplishments missionalism: (M)issionalism is something else. Its a leaders disease. Like a common cold that begins with a small cough, missionalism catches on in a leaders life and seems at first so inconsequential. But let this disease catch hold and you are likely to have bodies strewn all over the place, the leaders and some of the leaders followers. Missionalism starts slowly and gains a foothold in the leaders attitude. Before long the mission controls almost everything: time, relationships, health, spiritual depth, ethics, and convictions. In advanced stages, missionalism means doing whatever it takes to solve the problem. In its worst iteration, the end always justifies the means. The family goes; health is sacrificed; integrity is jeopardized; God-connection is limited. Even the act of evangelism can be twisted by missionalism. How often do we teach that the gospel is the way to get people to heaven when it is, in fact, the way to lead people to God? Trying to serve for services sake is nothing more than a placebo, another idea trying to fill the invisible hole in our hearts that only God can fill. We fool ourselves if we believe service to others will make us whole. It is God alone who brings us wholeness. Only through obedience to Gods will do we have the possibility of long-term changes in the evils of this world. When our motivation is our love for God, rather than the needs we see around us, we will experience a strength and joy

we can never taste when we are self-motivated. Jesus, compassion incarnate, was moved by compassion but only acted in obedience. Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise. Compassion helps us empathize. Obedience brings us to action. Take some time and read a biography about a person who represents, in our minds, compassion, like St. Francis of Assisi or Mother Theresa. You will not find a speck of missionalism in their lives. Instead, you will see a man or woman intimately connected to God, who stepped out in obedience. You will see a person who sees other people through Gods eyes. You will find someone who has given up control to God. And you will see countless lives touched both physically and spiritually. In the end, those saints were partners with God in changing the world. Their greatest sermons came through their actions, and the fruit of their lives was a byproduct of their love for God, not a desire to bring about a change. Shawn Small has spent time with Franciscans in Assisi, the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, and nerds at the Comic-con in Dallas.
Shawn Small is an avid adventurer, author, pilgrim, husband, and father of three. He is the founder of Wonder Voyage Missions and Boundless Expeditions. Connect with Shawn at shawnsmallstories.com.

Recommended Reading to Help You Battle Missionalism

With :Reimagining the Way You Relate to God by Skye Jethani The Lessons of Saint Francis: How to Bring Simplicity and Spirituality into Your Daily Life by John Michael Talbot and Steve Rabey No Greater Love by Mother Teresa

"Intense love does not measure, it just gives." Mother Teresa

"In order to change the world, you have to get your head together first." Jimi Hendrix

Chatter | 13

THIS MONTH
Bible Communities
Groups on Sunday
Theres always something new going on in Bible Communities! Heres a taste of whats happening this month:
Synergy 9 a.m. Middle School Room Couples in their 40s & 50s If you desire to dive into Scripture and deepen your faith, this class is for you. Come join us. The Tree 9 a.m. West D 20s & 30s, married and young families Join us as we unpack John Pipers book This Momentary Marriage, looking at the truth that marriage is the display of covenant-keeping love between Christ and his people. Crossroads 10:45 a.m. High School Room Married late 20s and 30s Join as we use teaching topics to facilitate group discussion with the goal of deepening relationships both in community and individually with Christ. Journey 10:45 a.m. Middle School Room All Welcome Join us as we discuss 12 specific ways that Christ was foreshadowed in the Old Testament, aiding our understanding of Gods redemptive plan for us through the Messiah. On Track 10:45 a.m. West C Single Parents If you are a single parent or a blended family, please join us for Bible study, fellowship and prayer. Thrive 10:45 a.m. West D Singles in their 30s & 40s Join us as we begin a series to recognize Gods transforming work in our lives. Each week well learn ways of responding to Gods guidance. Renew 10:45 a.m. Training Center Diverse, all ages and stages Join us we begin a new series on grace using Philip Yanceys book, Whats So Amazing About Grace? Legacy Builders 6:45 p.m. West A All Welcome Join us for fellowship, prayer, and in-depth Bible teaching. Pool Party For outgoing 5th Graders Saturday, June 1, 11 a.m. Contact mconnor@irvingbible.org for address. 5th Grade Graduation Sunday, June 2 The Commons Join us after all three worship services in The Commons for 5th Grade Graduation and an informational. MyZone Wednesdays, 6:308:30 p.m. Zone/Zone Jr. A mid-week event for kids thats great for bringing friends. K-5 grade. Contact children@irvingbible.org.

Hope & Healing

Community Care
Abortion Recovery Counseling One-on-one, confidential counseling for those living with the aftermath of abortion. For information, contact Kym at (972) 5604632 or kyeichner@irvingbible.org. Recovery at IBC Thursdays, 6:308:30 p.m. West Wing Youth Lounge Do you deal with perfectionism, pride, overeating, inappropriate anger or control? Recovery is confidential and all are welcome. See ad, pg. 17. Grace For the Wounded Thursdays, 6:308:30 p.m. A confidential small group ministry that explores the wounds we have received and the healing journey Gods prepared for us. Female group currently offered. Contact graceforthewounded@irvingbible.org to register. NAMI Family-to-Family Class A 12-week course designed for families and caregivers of those with serious mental illness. Restarts fall 2013. Contact Joey at joey@ netbreezeinc.com or Debra at eumoore@yahoo.com. Shelter from the Storm A confidential small group that focuse on seeing God in the middle of recovery, and finding hope and healing from sexual abuse. We offer groups for both teens and adults. Contact Michelle at shelterfromthestormibc@gmail.com or (214) 7250898. Mental Health Grace Alliance Every other Monday, 6:30 p.m. West C The Living Grace Group: For those who have mental illness. Contact Melissa Clark at melisser34@yahoo.com. Stephen Ministry at IBC Stephen Ministers provide a listening ear and a caring presence for IBCers going through emotionally difficult times such as the loss of a loved one, loss of a job, illness, injury, divorce or other life events. If you or someone you know could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister, contact stephenministry@ irvingbible.org.

Mission

Local and Global

Mission Introduction Lunch July 14, 12 p.m. West A Join us for lunch to meet the new missions staff and hear more about local and global partners. See ad, pg. 8. Prayer Meeting 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 6:45-8 p.m. The Chapel Join us as we pray for IBC, the needs of our people and the world. Laundry Love first Saturday of the month, 9 a.m.12 p.m. Located at Amigo Laundromat, 3349 Country Club Dr. in Irving (just down from Sam Houston Middle School). Please join us as we provide free laundry cycles and detergent, strike up conversations and build relationships. For more info visit llpirving.org or contact info@llpirving.org.

Connect

Events and Resources for Newcomers and Small Groups

Launch Pad Sundays, 9 a.m. West C Launch Pad is a place for people who are registered for small groups, but still have a few weeks to wait before placement. Contact Sara at staylor@irvingbible.org. Groups are currently in session. The deadline to register for the Spring Small Groups session is Sunday, February 24. Register at irvingbible.org/smallgroups. See article, pg 6. August Chatter, Page 11 It might seem far away, but August Chatter is already in the works. And boy-howdy, page 11 is going to be amazing. Send in pictures from your Small Group summer trip, weekend getaway or backyard barbecue and well choose the best for a caption contest. Send hi-res shots to chatter@irvingbible.org.

Parenting

Events and Resources

Events and Resources Online Book Club Begins June 9

No babysitters required to join the Parenting Online Book Club. We will be reading Parenting is Your Highest Calling: And Eight Other Myths That Trap Us Into Worry and Guilt by Leslie Fields (speaker for the Parenting Fall Conference, September 2021). To sign up for the book club, visit irvingbible.org/ parenting.
Save-the-Date Parenting at IBC Conference Join us September 2021 for a conference featuring author Leslie Fields. Watch Chatter for more details.

Faith and Belief

Events and Resources
Baptisms Service August 25 Registration now open at irvingbible.org/baptism. Mandatory Classes: Childrens Class: Sunday July 14, 5 p.m. in West B. A parent is required to attend with his or her child.

Visit irvingbible.org/parenting for more info.

Seniors

For Folks Ages 55+

No potluck lunch due to Fathers Day. See you all in July!

Please visit page 18 for more Sunday Bible Communities.

Middle/High School class: Please contact Mark Ann Connor at mconnor@irvingbible.org to schedule a meeting with the Middle or High School pastor. Adults' Class: Sunday, July 14, 9 a.m. in the High School Room.

Men

Community and Resources

First Watch Fridays, 6:22 a.m. The Commons First Watch Xtra Meets Wednesdays at 6:30 a.m. in the Training Center.

Please contact bgroezinger@ verizon.net.

Children

Infants Through 5th Grade

VBS June 1720, 9 a.m.12 p.m. Registration open until June 12. See ad, pg. 16.

Contact Donna OReilly at (972) 5604600.

Visit irvingbible.org/men for more info.

Chatter | 14

Single Parents

Community and Resources

Sit with us on Sunday! Several single-parent families enjoy worshiping together in the 9 a.m. service. Join us in the lowest right-hand section, Rows 5 & 6, facing the stage.

WOMEN

Community and Resources

Save-the-Date Womens Summer Bible Study, July 2August 6 Join us as we study Wonderstruck by Margaret Feinberg. Register today at irvingbible.org/women. See ad, pg. 17.

Miscellaneous
A Little Bit of Everything
Free Books Sunday, June 9 Town Square Stop by the tables before or after the worship services for free used books donated by IBCers. IBC Saturday Crop June 22, 9 a.m.8 p.m. Training Center Join us for an all day, free crop event. The room will be set up with large round tables so that everyone has plenty of room to scrap, crop, trim and organize. Everyone is welcome: beginners to semi-pros, card makers, and digital scrappers. Contact Nikki at nikkiscraps@ verizon.net. NICHE (North Irving Christian Home Educators) Save the date for our 2013-2014 NICHE Kick-off on Monday, August 26. For more information visit texasniche. com. Happy summer to you and your family! IBC Softball, Mens teams only Now forming teams. Contact Kurt Heinemann at kurtheine76@yahoo. com or (972) 7659912. New Arrivals Congratulations to the following family on the birth of their child:

Special Needs

Visit irvingbible.org/women.

Community and Resources

In His Image Bible Study Wednesdays, 6:307:45 p.m. Training Room A small group for adults (18+) with special needs. Special Needs Support Group Wednesday nights, 6:307:45 p.m. The Conference Room Contact Lori at lorikuy@gmail.com. Respite Care every fourth Saturday For families that have children with special needs. SonShine Pals and Room Our SonShine Rooms are available during the 10:45 a.m. service for children with special needs. There are also opportunities for children to be matched with a SonShine Pal.

Young Adults
20s and Early 30s
Summer Fun Events Thursdays in June We will be having fun activities all through June. Check out irvingbible. org/youngadults for the when and where info. See Lake Day ad, pg. 16. Sunday Mornings at the Mo Sundays, 10 a.m. The Mosaic Caf Join us for fellowship before the 10:45 a.m. service, and sit with us in the lower left-hand section, facing the stage.

Contact specialneeds@irvingbible.org.

2435 Kinwest

Wednesday Nights at IBC

Vox Humana Choir Wednesdays, 6:308:10 p.m. IBC Worship Center The choral community of IBC is always looking for new singers, beginner or pro. Everyone is welcome and you can join at any time! No auditions necessary. Contact Crystal at celwell@irvingbible.org. ESL: English as a Second Language Wednesdays, 6:308:30 p.m. AZ17, 18 and 19 Do you want to learn English? Improve your English? Come practice all four skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. For more info, contact Corey at 2435esl@irvingbible.org. IBC Career Transition Ministry Wednesdays, 6:308 p.m. Want to find a job? Come learn how to craft a rock-solid resume, use the Internet and LinkedIn to network, and ace the interview. For more info, contact 2435jobtransition@ irvingbible.org.

Students

Tim and Emily Snelling and their daughter Madison Colleen, born April 12, at 6 lbs, 9 oz and 19.75 inches.

Middle/High School and College

5th Grade Transition Pool Party Saturday, June 1, 11 a.m. 5th Grade Graduation Sunday, June 2 The Commons Join us after all three worship services in The Commons for 5th Grade graduation and an informational. Middle School Sundays MERGE AM The Alcove 10:45 a.m.12:05 p.m.

The last Life Group for spring 2013 is June 2. 5th Grade Transition Sundays, June 9July 7, 6:45 p.m. Training Room See ad, pg. 16.
Middle School Wednesdays The W Student Ministry area, 6:308 p.m. High School Sundays Sunday Nights Student Ministry area, 6:458 p.m. High School Wednesdays Visit irvingbible.org/students for up-to-date events. IBC College Ministry Sundays at 3:30 p.m. The Alcove

Visit 2435kinwest.org.

Contact mconnor@irvingbible.org.

Chatter | 15

VBS 2013

AT IRVING BIBLE CHURCH

JUNE 1720

ENTER THE EPIC ADVENTURE THAT EMPOWERS KIDS TO STAND STRONG. HERE, GODS VICTORIOUS POWER ISNT A FAIRY TALE IT CHANGES KIDS FOREVER.
When: June 1720, 9 a.m.12 p.m. Where: IBC Who: Kids entering K-5th grades Cost: $30 after June 1

Family discounts and scholarships are available. A very limited number of walk-in spots will be available, but we strongly encourage you to register before June 12 to ensure a spot.

Register: irvingbible.org/vbs Registration Deadline: June 12 Questions? Contact Melody at mparlett@irvingbible.org

5th GRADE TRANSITION

The transition from elementary to junior high can be tough. Thats why Middle School at IBC would like to invite all incoming 6th grade students to a 5-week series designed to connect kids with each other and help them get to know Middle School Pastor Trey Grant.
SUNDAY EVENINGS: June 9, 16, 23, 30, & July 7, 7 p.m. In The Training Room

lake day l
June 15 Meadowmere Park on Lake Grapevine
Join Young Adults at IBC for a day of beach, boats, and ballyhoo! Time: 10 a.m.5 p.m. Cost: $5 per car + $5 for food Please bring your own chairs/ blankets plus anything extra you might want to enjoy (games, sports equipment, etc). Questions? Contact Betsy at bnichols@irvingbible.org.

www

but wait! theres more Other events for incoming 6th Graders: Open House: Sunday, May 26, 10:45 a.m.-12:05 p.m., The Alcove Pool Party: Saturday, June 1, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Coppell 5th Grade Graduation: Sunday, June 2 In The Commons after all three services. An informational time will follow each service. Questions? Contact Mary Ann at mconnor@irvingbible.org.

wwwwwwwwww

WOMEN AT IBC SUMMER BIBLE STUDY

WO ND E R S T RUC K
Awaken to the Nearness of God

We all find ourselves in dry seasons where we are just going through the motions of faith without a sense of holy awe for God. This summer we invite you to drink in the fullness of life God intended. In this six-week Bible study, we will explore the wonders of God as found in Scripture: the wonder of Gods presence, the wonder of friendship, the wonder of forgiveness, and much more.

I have a hunch Im not the only one who misplaced the marvel of a life lived with God. Faith beckons us into an enchanting journey one marked by mysteries of divine beauty, holy courage, and unending love. But in my life, any sense of the splendor of God had faded. I needed God to awaken me from my sleep. And so I prayed for wonder.
Margaret Feinberg

Tuesday nights, July 2August 6 at 6:308:30 p.m. Where? The Commons Cost: $15 (included workbook) Register online: irvingbible.org/women Questions? Contact women@irvingbible.org KidZone is available for children birth-5th grade, and is $10/per child. Register your child for: KidZone-Summer Womens BS7/2/13. Registration closes at noon on June 28.

Recovery
Eatin Meetin
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.

July 4, 6:30 p.m. in the Student Ministries area

What We Are: A safe place to share, a refuge, a place

therapy, a place for secrets

What We Are Not: A place for perfection, a place for

of belonging

A few times a year we have Eatin Meetins where anyone can come enjoy a meal and see what Recovery is all about. Recovery meets every Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Ministries Area. For more info or to register, visit irvingbible.org/hope-healing. Questions? Contact Joe at recovery@irvingbible.org.

Sunday Schedule
First Worship Service: 9 a.m.
Childrens Classes (all ages) Synergy (40s & 50s), Middle School Room The Tree (young marrieds and families), West D

HOW DO I GIVE?
My Time, Talents & Skills
2435 Kinwest Medical Clinic Volunteers Needed Our weekly medical clinic is in need of professional health care providers (MD, PA, FNP) to provide treatment for our patients. Volunteers do not have to serve every week. Contact Charles at cpierce@2435clinic.org. NFNL Volunteers On the third Wednesday of each month we need help serving dinner to the women of New Friends New Life at Preston Road Church of Christ. Contact Christine at newfriendsnewlife@irvingbible.org. Lawyers Needed ALARM (African Leadership and Reconciliation Ministries) is looking for lawyers to be agents of Gods leadership, reconciliation and justice. Contact melodymgranados@gmail.com. Mentor Kids in Single-Parent Families Men, be a big brother to a boy by spending one-on-one time encouraging him, teaching life skills, and modeling how a godly man lives. Women, have fun mentoring girls at our Girl Stuff events, helping teach girls their identity in Christ. Contact Marsha at mtribbett@irvingible.org. Visitor Follow-Up Team (Rex Greenstreet Ministry) We are looking for a volunteer to make calls to visitors each week at IBC. Training and coaching will be provided. For more info, contact ssharp@irvingbible.org. Meal Team Volunteers IBC makes meals available Sunday and Wednesday nights. These fun teams could use some additional volunteers to

serve together. Sundays, contact sundaynightmeal@irvingbible.org. Wednesdays, contact bdowney@irvingbible.org.

Second Worship Service: 10:45 a.m.

Childrens Classes (all ages) Crossroads (mid 20s-30s couples), High School Room On Track (single parents), West C Journey (all welcome), Middle School Room Merge A.M. (middle school), Alcove Renew (multi-generational), Training Center Thrive (30s & 40s singles), West D

Respite Care Volunteers By giving a few hours of your time to do crafts, play games, and spend time with special needs children, you give their parents a few hours for themselves. Every fourth Saturday evening. Contact Shannon at specialneeds@irvingbible.org. Kids Night Out Volunteer Kids Night Out, a ministry for single parent families, meets the third Saturday of each month from 6-9 p.m., to give their parents a much needed evening to themselves. Contact Jennifer at jerlenbusch@irvingbible.org.

Third Worship Service: 5 p.m.

Childrens Classes (all ages)

My Resources
New Childrens Shoes for Haiti It is our desire to bring a new pair of childrens shoes to every child that attends the summer camp we are hosting in Haiti with Hosean International. Bring shoes to donation box in Town Square any time in May or June. Contact missions@ irvingbible.org. Breakfast Cereal Need for Brighter Tommorrows The womens shelter in Irving has an ongoing need for cereal to feed their women and children. Drop your boxes in the donation area at IBC. Contact Marjorie at brightertomorrows@irvingbible.org. Online Giving Option If you would find it more convenient to donate to the ministries of Irving Bible Church online, visit irvingbible.org/give.

Community Dinner: 6 p.m. Community Events: 6:45 p.m.

Legacy Builders (all welcome), West A Middle School, The Commons High School, Student Ministries Area

sunday Community Meals

Join us in the Town Square for our community meal on Sundays at 6 p.m. Meals are $3 per person or $10 max./family. 6/2 6/9 Pizza Palooza Fajita Madness

6/16 All American burgers and brats 6/23 Giant baked potatoes and salad 6/30 Roast beef, green beans, salad If youd like to serve on a Sunday night meal team, contact Pat OReilly at (214) 289-6176 or sundaynightmeal@irvingbible.org.

Interested in learning more about IBCs budget for 2013 or other financial nuts and bolts? Visit irvingbible.org/budget.

Wednesday Midweek Meals

Each Wednesday night from 5-6:20 p.m., IBC prepares dinner for anyone wanting a good, hot meal. PB&J sandwiches are also available. Cost is $3/meal or $10 max./family. Just come by The Commons and grab a plate! 6/5 Roast pork, mashed potatoes, gravy, chuck wagon veggies, salad, rolls, and dessert.

New to IBC?
Have questions? Were here to help.

Were so glad youre here. Sometimes its hard to know where to begin, but we want to make the process of connecting and feeling at home as easy as possible. Here are some ways to start. The Information Center is a great place to get your questions answered, find help and encouragement for your personal journey, or just have a cup of coffee and settle in. Our team of volunteers would be happy to help you, and our goal is to make you feel at home. The Information Center is open every Sunday after all three worship services. The Newcomer Gathering is an informal get-together for those new to IBC and/or those wanting to learn more about who we are, what we believe and how to get plugged in. Meet other newcomers, ministry leaders and elders. Cant seem to figure out what IBC is all about or how you fit into the larger picture? Want free breakfast every Sunday for four weeks? Propel is designed to help you figure out how to best plug in to IBCs culture and calling. Well talk about what it means to grow in Christ, connect in community and join the mission and what that might look like for you. Youll also learn more about membership at IBC. Small groups exist to cultivate deep relationships that advance the kingdom of God in dark places dark places in our world, in our relationships and in our hearts. We do this in the context of sermon-based Bible studies that meet in homes. Groups comprise 12 people or fewer and are formed by leaders who have completed small group leader training. To sign up for a group or get more info, contact Ryan Sanders at rsanders@irvingbible.org.

Information Center
irvingbible.org/connect

6/12 Burgers, tater tots, baked beans, pickle spears, and dessert. 6/19 Turkey Tetrazzini, bread sticks, salad, and dessert. 6/26 Pizza, salad, and dessert. All June meals hosted by the Summer Team. 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.

Newcomer Gathering
Learn more about IBC and meet others like you.
irvingbible.org/connect

Ready to get plugged in?

irvingbible.org/connect

Propel

The Mosaic caf (the mo)

Caf Hours Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: 8 a.m.12 p.m. Wednesday: 8 a.m.12 p.m. and 47 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m.12 p.m. Saturday: Closed Sunday: 8 a.m.12:30 p.m. & 47 p.m. Phone: (972) 443-3323 New signature drinks! Stop by The Mo and see what weve got brewing.

Connect with others on the journey.

irvingbible.org/smallgroups

Small Groups

Chatter | 18

Fathers Day is upon us. This, the 63rd most important of all our national holidays, is actually, from an official standpoint, just a few months older than your humble author. And while it may seem hard to believe that a scant 23 years have passed since President Richard Nixon hopped in the presidential DeLorean to sign the celebration into law in 1990, few can argue the days importance to the polyester necktie and English Leather industries. Yet, while just six weeks prior, mothers across the country were served breakfast in bed and had their likenesses celebrated in all manner of pasta-based sculptures (and left to clean up the mess of each), dads rarely get something homemade. Which is fine. I love my kids, but I dont want them trying to build me a new power drill by taping a screwdriver to a 9-volt battery when everyone knows you need at least six D-cells. All I want is a nap. A mythical event of which I often speak but never seem to experience.

You Know, For Kids

Put the sexy back. Yes, my sons and daughter, I realize that you have grown up going to malls filled with 10-foot-tall posters of undergarment-hawking Photoshop employees who have some sort of secret, but that does not mean you should go forth and do likewise. Especially you, young lady. The goal for your life should be to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, not Justin Timberlake. JT might have sweet moves, but JC created you, saved you and continues to sanctify you. Double word. Righty tighty, lefty loosey. This is just good practical knowledge. Wise is the child who heeds the words of Donnie Van Zant. I know that talking My Little Pony is your personal treasure. And your silky may indeed find its way to college with you. But you must learn to hold on loosely to the things of this world. If you cling too tightly to them, youre going to (drum break) youre going to lose control. And not in the good way. You can go home again. Any time for any reason. Although that room and board thing still applies. But the donuts are on me. Jason Fox is obviously winging this dad thing.
Jason is a writer who used to live in Dallas, but now resides in Omaha because he loves corn and a steady paycheck.

While Fathers Day is theoretically all about me (and my own dad, I guess) and my ability to get into theme parks for half-price with another paid admission and a Tab can, it also serves as a reminder of the awesome, massive, crushing responsibilities I have in regards to raising my spawn. Beyond teaching them how to undo that Gordian knot in their shoelaces (ask mom) or safely land from a shed-based jump (do whatever the neighbor kid, who should always go first, doesnt), what nuggets of gristle-free wisdom can I impart to guide them along lifes way when its not closed for filling potholes? If only there was a word for such chocolatey morsels of wisdom. Alas. In the book of Proverbs, Solomon opens the book with seven full chapters addressed to his son. These tweet-like knowledge bombs cover a wide range of wide-ranging topics everything from how to avoid harlots, to what to do with money (avoid harlots) to how to warm your hands before milking the goat. Sage advice, all. And while these aphorisms remain applicable today, I believe my 21st-century kids could use a few additions to the Solomonical tips on goat husbandry. Which I think has been outlawed anyway. Fear no threat of permanent record, but woe to the youth who Instagrams everything. Thats right, kids. While that permanent record the school counselor is always brandishing like a shameful Hammer o Thor is actually of little consequence outside school walls, that Vine video of you going full moon at the homecoming bonfire will never be expunged from the internet. Photography is for moments you wish to immortalize, not those that might get you incarcerated. Wisdom knows when not to be a wisenheimer. Remember that one time, after the Sermon on the Mount, when Thomas was all like, Bein meek is for the weak! and Jesus laid him out cold with a Then you must be the meekest of all? No? Didnt think so. Humor at the expense of another is too expensive a price to pay. Word. A fool and his or her iPhone are soon parted. If you want unlimited texting, buy your own phone. But bear in mind that if you can afford your own phone and plan, you can afford to pay me room and board. Also, fix me a sandwich.

The Gordian Knot derives its name from a mythic legend about Alexander the Great.

In Italy, Fathers Day Festa de Papa is celebrated March 19. Probably with meatballs.

A wisenheimer is a sarcastic hunting dog from East Germany.

Chatter | 19

Chatter and IBC Bible Community, The Tree, hosting an on-campus garage sale. ($2,500 was raised for Journey On!)

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.