J UNE 2014

I had a dream the other night that all of us showed up to church, and instead of carry-
ing Bibles and cute purses and cups of cofee-based goodness, everyone had armfuls and
armfuls of LAUNDRY. Some dirty, some clean, all jumbled. We dumped our loads onto the
chairs and into the aisles, and there were socks littering the oor and undershirts draped
across the pristine backs of chairs. The lights were not dim or meditative; everything was
bright and visible and stark, and everyone was looking around, picking through the piles
like bag ladies or tornado victims. The problem was that everybodys laundry was all mixed
together with everyone elses, so my missing red sock could be at the bottom of the cotton
mountain up in the balcony; your favorite shirt could be over behind the tech booth where
some dude named Carl might discover it. It was an impossible intertwining. We wanted
nothing more than to get our stuf back all our holey underwear and embarrassing cut-
ofs and college sweatshirts. We were so exposed, so spread out, so unpacked.
Its a helpless feeling to have intimate parts of yourself turned out into the world for oth-
ers to touch and feel and fold. We have this innate sense that what belongs to me all my
unique and awkward and wrinkled parts is my domain alone and no one elses. And that
at church, especially, I should be able to show up with freshly pressed pants and a buttoned-
up shirt and a well tailored smile stitched across my face. If you cant get yourself together
for CHURCH, then you really are hopeless, right? Desperate situations should be left at the
door with the muddy ip-ops.
But theres a woman in Luke 8 who was forced to abandon pretense in a big would-be church
crowd. She wasnt bold as much as she was desperate; it was out of this desperation that
she brought her impossible situation right to Jesus in what turned out to be a very public
undressing.
Verse 43 deftly sums up her long-term illness with the simplicity of: She could not be
healed by anyone. Jesus, the famed miracle-worker, was her last chance.
But she tried to hide. At rst.
She came up behind [Jesus] and touched the fringe of his garment. Just a touch. Maybe just
a touch would be enough.
Crowds and crowds of people were pressed up against him at the time, but suddenly he felt
HER. Who touched me? Jesus asks.
Peter, or Captain Obvious, as biblical scholars like to call him, replies, Master, the crowds
surround you and are pressing in on you!
I love what happens next: And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came
trembling, and falling down before [Jesus] declared in the presence of all the people why she
had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed.
What exposure. What a complete unpacking. But she was pressed into it; Jesus forced the
issue publicly. Didnt he know, in all his God-man power, who it was that had touched him?
Couldnt he have let the healing transpire discreetly? Why did he challenge her to own her
story in the bright open air?
The woman realized there was nowhere to hide. Were Jesus eyes boring into hers, challeng-
ing her with gentle insistence? Did her own amazement at her sudden healing override her
embarrassment? Whatever it was, the next thing we see is her throwing caution to the wind,
DECLARING in the presence of ALL the people WHY she had touched Jesus and HOW he
had healed her (emphasis added).
Pretty bold. And quite a turnaround. She went from discreet inquirer to bold witness. And
not just a witness to the struggle of sickness, but to the victory of healing both the clean
AND dirty laundry, all mixed together.
For some reason, Jesus thought that was important.
If its hard for you to be real at church or in your small group or in a classroom of kiddos on
Sunday or with non-Jesus-y kinds of people at work, just remember that you have a contri-
bution to make to the larger redemptive narrative in this world. That your story, your dirty
socks and cashmere sweaters alike, dont belong to you alone. That to be a story-less person
is not to be a person at all. We are impossibly intertwined, and that is by design. That even
as you reach out for the healing garment of Jesus, you can share your own multi-colored
journey with a world that needs to see a new iteration of redemption. Please dont hold that
back from the rest of us. Please bring your laundry out into the world. Especially to church.
a letter from
Chatter
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).
Thanks for picking up Chatter. Chatter is a publication of Irving Bible Church in Irving, Texas.
Editor Julie Rhodes
Art Direction, Design & Goodness
Josh Wiese, Lindsey Sobolik, JD Lemming
Admin Extraordinaire
Victoria Andrews
Our Very Tall Boss
Scott McClellan, Communications Pastor
Photography
Charles Stafford (Photo Update)*
Evan Chavez (Autism)*
Writers
Jason Fox (Idle Chatter)*
Brent McKinney (The End of Theology)*
Megan Foreman (Chatter Facts)
Shannon Miller (Autism)*
Editorial Assistance/Proong
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.
*Most beloved and indispensable Chatter Volunteer.
Irving Bible Church: a community on a journey.
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 informa-
tion 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.
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 trans-
formed 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).
Photo Update: Small Group Picnic
On Sunday, May 18, Small Groups at IBC hosted a picnic, its rst-
ever event for anyone in a sermon-based small group. Kickball,
bounce houses, and perfect weather made for a great afternoon.
Over 25 small groups were represented with around 300 in at-
tendance. A big thanks to Bob Downey and Mike Moore, who
smoked 28 pork shoulders!
have to admit that I was
feeling a little vulnerable.
Its 7:20 a.m. I think were on the right
platform to catch our train from New
Delhi to Chandigahr, but I cant be sure
since my knowledge of Hindi isnt as ad-
vanced as I need it to be at this moment.
Some 4 million people roll through this
train station every day and were seeing
approximately half of them during the
morning rush hour.
One traveler is brushing his teeth at the
water fountain. We see a beggar who is
in bad shape health-wise. There is a Sikh
warrior standing with a spear literally 10
feet from me. I have rarely been so aware
of my Scotch-Irish features as acutely
as I am at this moment. Maybe a little
vulnerable is an understatement.
Our band consisted of IBCs global direc-
tor Lauren Moussa, long-time mission
liason for India, Debbie Atteberry, a
triumvirate of McQuittys (Andy, Alice
& Jef), and myself who were hoping to
see the ministry of the Northern India
Institute for Theological Studies as well
as encourage our partner who heads it all
up, Sukhwant Bhatia.
Thankfully, it wasnt long before Sukh-
want showed up. He greeted us with
excitement handing us our tickets for
the train that would depart from that
particular platform. He described how
important those 4 million people were to
the local economy. He clued us in on the
improving healthcare in India and how
the beggar might be able to get access to
it. He told us about the warrior, who is
considered a warm-hearted servant in
his religious tradition. He even made a
couple of jokes about how hard it would
be to pick our American group out of this
crowd using a pop-culture movie refer-
ence from the good ol U.S. of A.
It wasnt long after that the feelings of
vulnerability morphed into excitement
about spending the day with Sukhwant.
He was friendly. He was helpful in shar-
ing the big picture of the city. He was
engaging as he explained the religious
culture in which we were immersed. He
was patient with the IBC team sticking
out like a sore thumb as we fumbled our
way through the unfamiliar culture.
And I thought about those character
traits on the train ride: friendly; helpful;
understanding; engaging and informa-
tive; patient.
The inspiring man behind IBC partner
Seek Partners, International
T HE
E ND
OF
T HE O
L OGY
I
Chatter | 5
Are these the adjectives youd use when describing
the president of a seminary, someone at the top of
the academic food chain and the leader of a highly
inuential ministry? Maybe youre a better person
than me, but frankly, those words dont hit my top-
10 list when I think of many of the academicians
and ministry leaders in our evangelical Tribe.
So, on the train ride, I started thinking about how
Sukhwants personal story shaped him and how
those traits manifested themselves in the minis-
tries he leads. Many of you know his story of com-
ing to know Christ (its been told plenty of times
over the years at IBC), but for those of you that
dont, its nothing short of amazing.
As a high-caste Sikh, Sukhwant attended a uni-
versity where he came across the Gospel of John
while learning English. He gave his life to Christ
shortly thereafter, and what follows is a blur: his
own father putting a gun to his forehead threat-
ening (and nally delivering on) disownment for
becoming a Christian; having area Christians
reluctant to cut his Sikh hairstyle and baptize him
out of community fears; and being forced to live
homeless on the streets all within the rst week
of his conversion. Sukhwant went on to further
academic pursuits, and connected with IBC during
his years at Dallas Seminary and the University of
North Texas.
Once we got of the train and took a rain-soaked
tour of Chandigahr (which, as an aside, is a
planned community known for mangos and an
impressive golf course that is lit for night play
which Pastor Andy duly noted), Sukhwant took us
to lunch at the seminary. It was here, in the place
of his passion, that we began to see just how his
theology was far more than an academic exercise.
His staf served us a delicious lunch of authentic
Indian food, which was prepared in the on-site
kitchen, and served in the campus dining area.
The conversation was very enjoyable. But what
struck me was that it was the faculty who cleared
the table, put away the excess food, and began to
hand-wash all the dishes in the sink. Here were
some of the brightest theologians and professors
in northern India taking the place of servants. It
was a humbling moment and a beautiful example
of servanthood.
After lunch, we took a tour of the facility, which
was a narrow building with four stories, like a New
York City Brownstone. We went from the bottom
oor (which had no windows) to a room where
there were multiple computers, each one loaded
with software that aids the translation of Scripture
into multiple languages from original Hebrew and
Greek texts. (In fact, the day we visited, several
scholars were present and engaged in the work
of translation.) Sukhwant told us of how the rst
study Bible in the Hindi language had come to frui-
tion during his tenure. It had taken 2,100 people
over an 8-year period to get an accurate and vital
discipleship tool into the hands of local believers
such an example of faithfulness and perseverance.
Once the tour was over, our host disrupted the
entire seminary schedule to accommodate our
visit. Since Sukhwant and Pastor Andy have been
friends for a long time, Sukhwant wanted to honor
him by arranging a special chapel service in which
Andy could share Gods Word with the entire stu-
dent body. It was my rst time to see Andy teach an
audience of seminary students (a great experience
to see him excel in that arena), but I noticed the
students, too. They were ipping their Bible pages
to read every verse he mentioned. They were furi-
ously scribbling notes. They responded verbally to
his questions. They were hungry to hear Scripture.
What a gift to see Sukhwants passion to know the
Word manifested in the students.
While we were waiting on tea and cofee to be
served, Sukhwant took us outside to where an ad-
joining brownstone was for sale. He shared his
vision that would allow more students to be served.
It struck me how truly unique it was to see a man
working out of a desire to advance the Kingdom
rather than his personal ambition.
Finally, over cofee, Sukhwant updated us on
SEEK, one of the international organizations IBC
is proud to call a partner: seekpartners.org. We
got to hear about SEEKs seminary work, its Bible
translation eforts, its Bible distribution program,
and all the other things they are involved with in
Northwest India. Fun and exciting, to be sure. But
what registered with me was Sukhwants commit-
ment both to raising up pastors who would each
plant a new church after graduation, as well as
meeting the social needs in less populated areas
ripe for rural evangelism.
As we were traveling back from our day with
Sukhwant, I was reminded that theology is never
supposed to be an end to itself, but should have
outward results that look like Jesus. Sukhwants
passion and vision make it a joy for IBC to come
alongside him as a partner, and its exciting to
watch as these traits are being sewn into the fabric
of each and every ministry he touches. The other
adjectives that describe him servant-hearted,
passionate are also being passed on to each and
every one of his staf and students, reminding me
that the end result of theology should always
be love.
And thats what I experienced from the moment
we saw Sukhwant on the train platform until he
dropped us of at our hotel. A lived-out theology of
love. May his tribe increase.
Brent McKinney has seen Rocky Horror over
110 times, once pumped gas into his minivan while
wearing a punk rock t-shirt unaware of the irony,
and jumped 4 trash cans on a 10-speed bike to imi-
tate Fonzies jump to save Arnolds. He constantly
feels far aeld from his fellow man.
Brent serves as the Missions Pastor at IBC. He blogs regularly at
mckinneydiner.wordpress.com.
SEEK: At a glance

The What:
Bible translation (into Hindi, Punjabi)
Pastor training
Evangelism
Church planting

The Where:
Northwest India

The Why:
To reach the least Christian regions of our
world for the kingdom of Jesus.
Visit seekpartners.org.
THE END RESULT
OF THEOLOGY
SHOULD ALWAYS
BE LOVE.
The UN estimates that India will
be the most populous country
in the world in about 14 years,
with 1.45 billion residents.
JOURNEY ON:
The Home Stretch
BEGINNING NUMBER OF IBC FAMILIES PARTICIPATING IN JOURNEY ON:
3,171
JANUARY 2013: OPENING BALANCE:
$
9,000,000
The square footage of Irving Bible Church is
182,000, give or take a foot or two. And in De-
cember of 2012, IBC still owed about $49 on
each of them. Were pleased to say were well on
our way to getting that number down to zero.
Heres how far weve come:
JANUARY 2013,
FIRST BALLOON PAYMENT:
$1,000,000

MARCH 2013,
SECOND BALLOON
PAYMENTS TOTALING:
$1,000,000
DECEMBER 2013,
BALLOON PAYMENT:
$500,000

JANUARY 2014,
BALLOON PAYMENTS
TOTALING:
$900,000
HALFWAY POINT: JANUARY 26, 2014 STILL OUTSTANDING:
$
4,277,634.20
BY THE END OF JANUARY 2014, TOTAL DEBT RETIRED:
$
5,156,981.57
AS OF MAY 2014, TOTAL DEBT RETIRED:
$
5,578,258
CURRENT BALANCE:
$
3,421,742
PROJECTED DATE FOR TOTAL DEBT RETIREMENT:
December 2014
START
Dear IBC Family,
Whenever we begin a project, we sometimes believe it will be an
easy downhill coast once the end is in sight. And while we are in
the last six months of IBCs Journey On campaign a 2-year efort
to retire IBCs mortgage debt we are aware that this last part of
the journey isnt the easiest (nor is it downhill). But we think it
has the potential to be the most rewarding part of all. You can see
from the information on this page just how far we have progressed,
and we have you to thank for this. Over 3,100 IBC families have
contributed to the Journey On campaign over the past two years,
and because of your generosity, faithfulness and consistency, IBC
has come a long way towards nancial freedom. But were not just
thanking you. Were thanking God, who is providing richly through
his people in these days. Eph 3:20-21 tells us that God is able to do
immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his
power that is at work within us. That has certainly proved true
over the course of Journey On. Thank you, IBC family, for nishing
strong as we come up on the home stretch of Journey On. Thank
you, Lord, for making it possible.
Tommy Tucker , CFO
RECOVERY
Breaking the Habit
Paul invites us to join him.
E
very day, we walk into a dark, deep sea crammed with
thousands of temptations. Some of those temptations are
so strong that they overcome us and develop into habits we cant
quit on our own. I love Jesus and am involved in church, but I
needed help to break a habit that was so enticing it almost took
my life and my family. Thats when I started attending Recovery
at IBC. Recovery is an honest way to approach your struggle,
a place for safe discussion and transparency. Recovery is for
anyone who faces the challenges of breaking the bondage of
self-destructive habits.
Want to tag along with me on a typical Thursday night?
Be my guest.
6 p.m.
I arrive for our weekly
service. Other guys
come up and greet
me theyre facing
similar struggles. They
give me a hug. We joke.
We discuss last nights
game. More impor-
tantly, we share how
we have been doing.
6:30 p.m.
The service begins
with music and sing-
ing. Its a bit like a typi-
cal church service, but
something is diferent.
6:45 p.m.
Tonights guest speaker
shares how he over-
came tremendous chal-
lenges. He describes
the physical and
mental dilemma before
Recovery of wanting to
quit yet nding himself
seemingly unable.
I can relate. I was
also haunted by the
confusion of knowing
I should stop, wanting
to stop, trying to stop,
yet still not being able
to stop.
7:15 p.m.
The service concludes
with everyone reciting
a special reading that
reinforces the impact
of working the pro-
gram. All is possible as
long as I keep
coming back.
7:30 p.m.
The real work con-
tinues. We break into
groups. I hear others
tell their stories and
report on the impact of
tonights guest speaker.
Its safe and real. I am
not judged, just loved
by others who are com-
mitted to nding and
working the cure. Its
structured. Each man
is given a few minutes
to discuss and share.
8:30 p.m.
The evening concludes
with a recitation
of The Our Father
Prayer. I feel strength-
en and inspired. Why?
Through Recovery,
the Great Physician
has breathed life into
something that was
dead and empty.
Do you have
hurts? Habits?
Hang-ups?
At Recovery, we are real people learn-
ing how to apply the 12 steps in order
to alleviate emotional pain, stress, and
control; all while seeking practical,
spiritual development in Christ.
Recovery meets Thursday nights at
IBC. Contact Joe for details: jorman@
irvingbible.org.
RECOVERY AT IBC
What images does this word conjure up for you? A child rocking in
a corner? Statistics that seem to grow more dire every day? Dustin
Hoffmans character in Rain Man? Does it make you feel scared?
Curious? Skeptical? Confused? Or does a specic persons face
come to mind?
Question 1: What is autism?
The word autism is actually used
to describe a spectrum of disorders,
which are characterized by diferences
in 3 areas:
social skills
communication
repetitive or restrictive behaviors
It encompasses a number of recog-
nized diagnoses, including Perva-
sive Development Disorder (PDD),
Asperger Syndrome, and Autism. We
call these Autism Spectrum Disorders,
or ASD.
Autism does not cause any physical
symptoms, so people with autism do
not look any diferent on the outside.
It is important to know that autism is
a neurodevelopmental disorder, not
a mental or psychological disorder.
People with autism are not crazy or
mentally ill; their brains just process
the world diferently. This process-
ing diference causes the symptoms
we see, which sometimes include
behavioral issues such as tantrums
and aggression.
The world can be extremely over-
whelming to a person with autism.
They tend to have difculty with
changes in routine, can be sensitive
to noises or touch, and may retreat in
order to gain control over their envi-
ronment. However, each person with
ASD is diferent. It is often said, if you
know one person with autism, you
know one person with autism.
Having worked with dozens of people
with ASD, I can attest to the truth
of this statement!
Question 2: What causes autism?
The short answer is this: we dont
know. Much research is being done,
but very little is known about the
causes of autism. There is evidence to
suggest that there may, in some cases,
be a genetic component, and that
some children may be predisposed to
developing ASD. However, nothing has
been proven yet.
We do know this: Autism is NEVER
the result of bad parenting. I repeat,
NEVER. This is a very damaging
misconception that is still widespread,
despite massive amounts of evidence
to the contrary.
We also know this: that the original
report published in 1998 connecting
vaccines and autism has been found to
be fraudulent and was fully retracted
in 2010. The doctor who published the
report has been stripped of his license,
and dozens of studies since then have
found absolutely no link between
vaccines and autism.
Question 3: Why do the
statistics about autism
keep changing?
Great question. Just this
past March, the CDC
released new data saying
that 1 in 68 children in
the US (1 in 42 boys and
1 in 189 girls) has Autism
Spectrum Disorder. This
is shocking, especially considering
that the rate was considered to be 1 in
150 as recently as 2002!
There are several possible reasons for
the growing numbers. One reason is
that the CDC determines prevalence
by looking at how many children are
receiving services for ASD. So as ser-
vices become more readily available,
numbers will increase. Another reason
is that the diagnostic criteria are con-
tinually changing, and more children
are being identied. Years ago, many
people who would now be diagnosed
with ASD were just considered odd
or quirky.
However, there is still an increase
that cant be accounted for by these
factors. Thats why autism research is
so important!
Myth 1: People with autism
arent intelligent.
This is absolutely, 100%, completely
untrue. Many people with ASD actu-
ally have higher than average IQs
when tested. It is now thought that
many of historys geniuses (Einstein,
Mozart, and Lewis Carroll, to name a
few) might have been diagnosed with
ASD, had they been born a few
centuries later.
In addition, the inux of technology
has allowed us to learn more about
autism. Many people with autism who
are unable to speak (and therefore
assumed to have low intelligence)
have learned to type on computers or
iPads, and are blogging, writing books,
and presenting at conferences. Many
of them, when nally able to complete
an IQ test, test in the gifted range. If
you would like to learn more about
communicating through technology,
check out some of the videos listed in
the sidebar.
Autism.
Myth 2: People with autism cant
live on their own, have friends, or
contribute to society.
False, false, and you guessed it
false. People with autism have so much
to contribute! Although some people
on the autism spectrum do require life-
long support and have difculty mak-
ing friends, with the proper supports in
place they are able to reach their own
individual potential and have much to
contribute. Some of the most loving,
caring, sweet, kind, hard-working and
funny people I know have ASD.
Myth 3: Autism is bad and treat-
ment should focus on xing the
problems it causes.
Well, this is a matter of opinion, but
I disagree. Yes, autism can cause
difculty and pain for individuals and
their families. However, much of that
pain is caused by the stigmas sur-
rounding autism and a lack of support
and resources. Much of the difculty
could be alleviated with education,
services, love and acceptance.
Ive often described autism as being
simply a diferent set of strengths and
weaknesses than we typically see. I
truly believe this to be true. People
with autism arent broken (any more
than the rest of us!) and theres noth-
ing wrong with them. They just need
to be understood and accepted for who
they are!
On the next page, you will nd pictures
and information about some children
at IBC who are living with autism.
Now that you know their names, say hi
when you see them. I promise that you
will be blessed to know them and their
families, just as I have been.
Shannon Miller was once marked at
an exotic animal park. She now belongs
to a tiger in Oklahoma.
Shannon Miller discovered her love for people
with special needs at the age of 13, and has
been working with them ever since. She has
taught special education for 7 years. She has
been a camp counselor at SEEK Camp (a sum-
mer camp for adults with special needs) for 16
years, and has been the director for Special
Needs at IBC since 2012. With lots of help from
IBCers, she recently founded a non-prot orga-
nization that will provide services for individuals
with special needs and their families! She
also loves photography, musical theater, and
being outdoors.
Autism has been in the news a lot lately, and its almost always one of
the rst topics I am asked about when someone discovers that I work with
people who have special needs. And its here in the Body of Christ. 1 Cor-
inthians 12:27 says All of you together are Christs body, and each of you is
a part of it (emphasis added). God has chosen people of all ages, races, and
ability levels to carry out his kingdom plan.
Below youll nd the answer to some Frequently Asked Questions, as well
as some common myths about autism.
* Please note that I do not use the term autistic, as that tends to be seen as
ofensive. It is best to say a person/child with autism.
Chatter | 8
Want a new
perspective on
autism? These
videos will blow
your mind!
SEARCH ON YOUTUBE:
Carly Fleischmann 20/20
Carlys Caf
Autism Journey of Hope
Man with Autism draws NYC
The Real Rain Man
I Want to Say
At IBC,
we want everyone to be able to grow in Christ,
connect in community, and join the mission.
Therefore, we offer a variety of services for people with autism and
other special needs. On Sundays, our SonShine program offers Pals
to kids who need support to participate in the childrens and student
ministries. We also have SonShine Rooms available for kids who need
a more secure, individualized environment. One Saturday a month,
we offer Respite Care for children and teens with special needs, in
order to give their caregivers much-needed time for rest and re-
newal. We also have a Bible study on Wednesday nights for adults
with special needs. If you would like to volunteer with us, or know
of someone who might benet from these services, please contact
Shannon Miller at specialneeds@irvingbible.org.
JAXON, 8
Attends Flower Mound Elementary
Loves: Jaxon loves to sing! His
favorite activity in the SonShine
Room is to conduct all of the Son-
Shine Room volunteers in a rousing
rendition of Veggie Tales music.
Special talent: Jaxon has an excel-
lent memory, and has been reading
Bible verses and Scripture since
age three.
ALEX, 10
Attends Blanton Elementary
Loves: Alexs favorite activity is
watching the Shout Out kids in Zone
Jr. She jumps along with every song
and watches videos of them during
the week!
Special talent: Alex feels joy deeply
and completely without inhibitions.
She is a Joy Giver, who teaches
others how to love by stirring their
compassion and softening their
hearts. She is a gift to everyone
she meets.
NATHAN, 14
Attends Merit Academy
Loves: Nathan is an expert on all things having
to do with lawn care. He knows the types of mo-
tors in various brands of mowers, weed eaters,
edgers, trimmers and blowers, and can spot
them from afar. His favorite brand is Stihl and
he wants to someday be the man-
ager of Black and Decker.
Special Talent: Nathan is a puzzle
whiz and has been known to put
together exceptionally difcult
puzzles upside-down, as he looks at
the shapes and not the pictures.
JAYMEE, 3
Attends Behavioral Innovations
Loves: Jaymee is our resident
snuggler we can always count on
him for the best hugs! He also loves
Mickey Mouse, bubbles, water play
and Chick-l-A.
Special Talent: Jaymee uses letter
blocks and magnets to spell words,
including Johnny Depp, Univer-
sal, Thneedville and #mmshake
(a MercyMe song reference). How
many 3-year-olds do you know who
can do that??
Whats the BEST, HANDS-DOWN
summer food? And wheres
the BEST, HANDS-DOWN place
to get it? Chatter asked the
IBC staff for some great
recommendations for those
lazy (read: hungry) days
of summer.
Chatters
Chatters pick:

Emporium Pies
With their new summer flavors
just announced (Java the Hutt,
The Cherry Bomb, Mellow Yellow),
Emporium Pies in Dallas Bishop
Arts district is keeping its status
as a Chatter Staff favorite. We
like the atmosphere created
within the charming bungalow
the whopping slices, and its
motto, Fine Pies for Fine Folks.
All Staff Pick:

Tacos at Speedy K Mart
This place came up more than
any other as a top spot for great
tacos. A glorified gas station
on Sandy Lake in Coppell (600 E
Sandy Lake Rd), Speedy K (drop the
Mart; its Speedy K to regulars)
offers a range of tacos that will
have you speeding back for more.
The Spiderman
snow cone from
Snowball Snow
Cones in Coppell!
(Cammie Bell, Childrens
Ministry Assistant)
Amaretto Ice Cream
with Strawberries
from Marble Slab
(Matt Hamilton, High
School Pastor)
Tacos from Speedy
K Mart in Coppell
(Bob Downey, Wednesday
Night Meal Coordinator)
Gluten-free Philly
Cheese Steak from
the Truck Yard
in Dallas
(Lauren Moussa, Director
of Global Partnerships)


Ribs from Pecan
Lodge in Dallas
(Shannon Lewis,
Front Desk)
Chicken fajita
nachos from Bajas
in Grapevine
(Crystal Quintero,
Front Desk)
Crepe Madame
and Nicaragua
coffee at
Ascension Coffee
(Charles Pierce, 2435
Clinic Director)
Chicken and
Waffles from
Bread Winners
(Trey Grant, Middle
School Pastor)
Queso from SoCal
Tacos, Grapevine
(Karrie Cox, Community
Life Assistant)


Street tacos
from El Paisano
in Dallas
(Oscar Camacho, IBC
Tech Team)

Sausage dog
from QT
(Jason Elwell,
Worship Pastor)

Ceviche from Mr.
Sushi in Addison
(Kym Yeichner, Hope and
Healing Coordinator)
Chatter | 12
The Trips
HONDURAS
INTERGENERATIONAL (HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
AND ADULTS), July 27 August 2

Purpose: To serve disabled children in an orphanage. We will also be
working in a small rural church located in a very poor community.
Pray: For safe travel, safety in Honduras, a strong passion to serve, and
a strong love for the Honduran people.
ALBUQUERQUE
IBC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, June 25 July 1

Purpose: To serve disabled children along with the homeless community
in Albuquerque. We are also going to engage in the culture and experi-
ence what serving outside our walls really means.
Pray: For special encouragement for students going on a mission trip for
the rst time. We also need God to strengthen our team so we can be his
hands and feet.
TANZANIA
IBC CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, June 24 July 6

Purpose: To encourage and support children sponsored by IBC through
Compassion International, and to serve at a local pre-school for children
who would otherwise not be educated.
Pray: For safe travel and border crossings, and for the health and safety
of our team. Also, for deep connections with the children we see, and that
we will be open to what God is doing each day.
MEMPHIS
IBC MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS, June 26 July 1

Purpose: To serve the children of inner-city Memphis through
tutoring and VBS. We will also be serving the homeless people of
inner-city Memphis.
Pray: For safe travels. Also prayer for the children at the center where we
will be volunteering that we will be the hands and feet of Jesus to them.
We also pray that as they serve, our students will get a glimpse of how
Jesus serves us on a daily basis.
DALLAS
IBC MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS, July 30 August 2

Purpose: To work with an organization called Seeds of Substance to
help abolish the food insecurities that more than 50% of the children in
our area face.
Pray: For safe travels. Pray that our students will be reminded that Mis-
sions is not just something you do far away from home, but something we
are called to do even in our own backyard.
HAITI
IBC INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES, July 18 July 26

Purpose: To work alongside the leadership of Hosean International
Ministries to put on a young adult conference.
Pray: For safe travels, good health for the team members and for all the
children at camp. Prayers for Gods wisdom and direction in our
planning (camp curriculum, activities, etc.). Pray that God moves
through us despite our failures. Pray for Hosean International Ministries,
that God will continue to provide nancially and spiritually for this
30-year ministry.
Prayer is a core value at IBC. If you would like to receive
our weekly Prayer at IBC eLetter with specic IBC and
partnership needs, sign up at irvingbible.org/prayer.
SUMMER MISSION TRIP
Prayer Guide
The details and prayer needs of
IBCs mission projects this summer
American writer O. Henry coined
the term "Banana Republic" when
he gave Honduras the nickname
in 1904.
The world's earliest human
skull was found in the Olduvai
Gorge in Tanzania.
As you enter the house of God, keep your ears
open and your mouth shutAfter all, God is in
heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your
words be few.
- Ecclesiastes 5:1-2
I
t started out as a simple lunch with an old friend. Thats all it was in-
tended to be. I sat across from Jada, a faithful condante Id known since
childhood, hashing out every detail of an issue that was weighing heavily
on my mind. Shes a wise woman, always has been a very insightful person.
So I knew she could give me some good counsel.
Wed managed to clear an hour from our equally crowded calendars one week-
day afternoon to visit. I suggested we meet at a nearby restaurant, not so much
to dig in as to dig deep. As soon as we had been seated, I immediately began
sharing some of the main points of my problem. Before we even sat down at
the table, and then through the server introductions, the water glass rells, the
entree deliveries, and the dessert oferings, I barely came up for air, rambling
incessantly about every detail and nuance of the situation.
My sweet friend nodded her head sympathetically between bites of salad
and sips of iced tea. The occasional mm-hmm suggested that she was still
following my long, clackety train of thought. Then, as the dishes were being
cleared away and the check delivered, I leaned back in my seat and nally took
a breath. I saw her glance down at her watch and tug a bit at her purse.
Sowhat do you think I should do? I asked, a bit impatient with her
hesitating response.
Priscilla, she answered, very kindly, gently, I did have some things to say to
you, but you never stopped talking long enough to listen.
Oh.
Nothing like those faithful wounds of a friend (Proverbs 27:6) to smack you
square in the face with the truth. In love.
I drove home that afternoon a bit disappointed. I hadnt gotten the clarity Id
hoped for. Jada hadnt said much. But reecting on her response to my hour-
long rant, the Holy Spirit did say something. With piercing conviction. Hadnt I
been approaching Him the same way? Talking, talking, talking, talking pray-
ing (feels better calling it that). But mostly just talking, repeating myself, ana-
lyzing, rationalizing. Like Jada, God was reminding me, I do have something to
say to you, Priscilla, but you never stop talking long enough to listen.
And with that, Id been schooled. Id gotten perhaps my most profound lesson
to date on hearing the voice of God, and it hit me squarely in the heart.
If I wanted to hear, I had to listen.
Creating time, space, and opportunity to hear God is paramount for those of
us who desire to sense His Spirits conviction, to receive His detailed guidance,
and to discern His intimate leading. Before I could even begin to explore fur-
ther instruction concerning how God speaks or even why He speaks I rst
had to ask myself whether or not I wanted to hear Him enough to stop doing all
the talking so that I might listen.
It all starts here: if we want to be able to sense His direction, we must slow
down, quiet our heart, and listen for the way His Spirit communicates.
The more Ive continued to contemplate the implications of this concept, the
more Ive realized that it isnt just specic to my prayer life. Rather, it provides
the basis for hearing from God at all times, whether Im on my knees in prayer
or on my feet hurrying through the nuances of my daily demands.
When reading His Word, it means approaching it with an open mind and heart
thats not already bogged down with my own opinions and ideas of what the
text is saying. It means coming with time to meditate and to mull over its
personal application.
In the regular rhythms of life, it means being willing to wait and watch, to sense
where God is moving before I hurry to make a decision. It means not having
all the answers Id like to have but not becoming frazzled by that, staying quiet
and patient as He gives me what I do need to know, understanding that this
empty space this listening posture that makes me so jumpy and uncomfort-
able is exactly the void He can ll with His divine wisdom and direction. It
means being attentive to the undercurrent of His ongoing activity beneath the
surface of my everyday happenings.
The lesson was becoming more and more clear: creating and allowing margin
to hear God is fundamental to discerning His voice.
Excerpt taken from Discerning the Voice of God
by Priscilla Shirer. Used with permission from
Moody Publishers.
THIS SUMMER AT WOMEN S BIBLE STUDY. . .
As Christians we are called to love
God wholeheartedly and to obey
his Word, but sometimes its dif-
cult to discern Gods voice from
the voices of others. This summer
we invite you to better recognize
and know the voice of God. In
this seven-week Bible study, we
will study the Holy Spirit, Gods
character, his language, and his
tone of voice. Because the more
we know God, the more clearly
we can hear him.
WHEN: Tuesdays, June 3 July 22
(not meeting June 17 due to VBS)
TIME: 6:308:30 p.m.
LOCATION: The Commons, IBC
COST: $15 (includes workbook)
For more info and to register
visit irvingbible.org/women.
KidZone is now closed. Email
mtibbatts@irvingbible.org to see if
we can accomodate your child.
DISCERNING
THE VOICE OF GOD
Womens Summer Bible Study
Discerning
the
Voice
of
God
How to Recognize When God Speaks
by Priscilla Shirer
THIS MONTH
Chatter | 14
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. The Alcove
Couples in their 30s to 50s
If you desire to dive into Scripture
and deepen your faith, this class is
for you.
The Tree 9 a.m. West D
20s & 30s, married and
young families
Join us as we unpack Tim Kellers,
The Meaning of Marriage. It will
provide insight to what marriage is
according to the Bible and give us a
practical guide to build a marriage
that lasts.
Crossroads
10:45 a.m. West C
Married late 20s and 30s
Join us for Tim Kellers Gospel in
Life series, where we will learn how
the Gospel impacts every area of
our lives.
Journey
10:45 a.m. The Alcove
All Welcome
Join us in June as we study the one
another passages of Scripture and
their implications for our lives, faith,
and community.
On Track
10:45 a.m. Conference Room
Single Parents
If you are a single parent or have a
blended family, please join us for
Bible study, fellowship and prayer.
Thrive 10:45 a.m. West D
Singles in their 30s & 40s
We are a group of highly active
singles developing friendships and
expressing the truth and love of
Jesus in a spectrum of ways.
Renew
10:45 a.m. Training Center
Diverse, all ages and stages
Join us for community, prayer, and
in-depth Bible teaching as we
search Gods word.
Legacy Builders
6:45 p.m. West A
All Welcome
Join us for fellowship, prayer, and
in-depth Bible teaching.
Please visit page 18 for more Sun-
day Bible Communities.
CHILDREN
Infants Through 5
th
Grade
VBS: Weird Animals June 1619
Registration for VBS 2014 is now
open. $30 per child, registration
closes on June 11. See ad, pg.17.
HOPE & HEALING
Community Care
Abortion Recovery Counseling
One-on-one, confidential counsel-
ing for those living with the after-
math of abortion. For information,
contact Kym at (972) 560-4632 or
kyeichner@irvingbible.org.
Perfectly Blended
Sundays, 9 a.m.
Conference Room
Step Family Education and Support:
an 8-week enrichment study. In
eight engaging sessions, you'll learn
usable solutions for everyday living.
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 con-
fidential and all are welcome. Visit
irvingbible.org/recovery for more info.
See article, pg. 7.
Grace For the Wounded
Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 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.
Shelter from the Storm
A confidential small group focused
on finding hope and healing from
sexual abuse. Contact Michelle at
shelterfromthestormibc@gmail.com
or (214) 725-0898.
Mental Health Grace Alliance
The Living Grace Group
For those who have mental illness.
Contact Pam at pamburtis@verizon.net.
Family Grace Group
For family members, friends, and care-
givers who support individuals with
serious mental disorders. Contact Buzz
Moody at myrabuzz@gmail.com.
NAMI Family-to-Family Class
A 12-week course designed for
families and caregivers of those
with serious mental illness. Contact
Joey at joey@netbreezeinc.com or
Debra at eumoore@yahoo.com.
Stephen Ministry at IBC
Stephen Ministers provide a listen-
ing 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 or (972) 560-4636.
See ad, next page.
MARRIAGE
Growing Together
Marriage Seminar
June 29, 9 a.m. West A & B
Join Marriage at IBC for a special
Sunday seminar on Communica-
tion and Conflict led by Dr. Jona-
than Cude. See ad, pg. 17.
MEN
Community and Resources
First Watch Fridays, 6:22 a.m.
The Commons
Join us on June 20 and 27 for a
special series Authentic Man-
hood. These two sessions are for
fathers and teenage sons to attend
together. See ad, pg. 17.
First Watch Replay
Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.
Training Center
Contact brianarrington1@yahoo.
com with questions.
First Watch Xtra
Wednesday, 6:30 a.m.
Training Center
Contact bcope@huntoil.com with
questions.
Visit irvingbible.org/men.
MISSION
Local and Global
Prayer Meeting
2nd and 4th Wednesdays,
6:458 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.
SINGLE PARENTS
Community and Resources
Sit with us on Sunday!
Several single-parent families enjoy
worshiping together in the 9 a.m. ser-
vice. Join us in the lowest right-hand
section, Rows 5 & 6, facing the stage.
Visit irvingbible.org/singleparents.
SPECIAL NEEDS
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.
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.
Contact specialneeds@irvingbible.org.
STUDENTS
Middle/High School and College
Middle School Sundays
Life on Life Student Ministries
area, 10:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
Middle School Wednesdays
The W Student Ministry area,
6:30-8 p.m.
Middle School Beach Camp
July 14-18
Register today at irvingbible.org/
middleschool.
High School Sundays
Student Ministry area, 6:45-8 p.m.
High School Wednesdays
Visit irvingbible.org/students for
summer calendar.
High School Beach Camp
July 10-14
Register today at irvingbible.org/
highschool.
IBC College Ministry
Sundays at 3:30 p.m.
The Commons Annex
For latest info on times and loca-
tions of college events, join the
Facebook group: College at IBC.
Contact mconnor@irvingbible.org.
Chatter | 15
WOMEN
Community and Resources
Womens Summer Bible Study
Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.
Join us starting June 3 as we study
Discerning the Voice of God by
Priscilla Shirer. See article, pg. 13.
Square One
Starts June 5, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
You and your 0-6 month old will
connect with mentor moms and
other women in this class for first-
time moms. Contact squareone@
irvingbible.org to register.
Visit irvingbible.org/women.
YOUNG ADULTS
20s and Early 30s
The Gathering
June 12, 7 p.m.
The Commons
Join us for a night of worship and
prayer. Contact Chris at cspalding@
irvingbible.org.
Summer Fun!
As a change of pace for the summer,
the Gathering will be meeting once
a month. On the other Thurs-
days, we will be doing lots of fun
activities. Check out irvingbible.org/
youngadults for the latest info.
Community Service Night
June 19
Join us on June 19 as we serve the
IBC family by helping with the VBS
celebration. We have several vol-
unteer spots to fill to help with the
fun that closes out VBS 2014. Email
Chris at cspalding@irvingbible.org
to sign up.
Sit with us on Sunday!
Young Adults sit together in the lower
left-hand section facing the stage at
the 10:45 a.m. service. Join us!
Visit irvingbible.org/youngadults.
2435 KINWEST
Wednesday Nights at IBC
Vox Humana Choir
Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m.
IBC Worship Center
The choral community of IBC is
always looking for new singers, be-
ginner or pro. Everyone is welcome
and you can join at any time! No
auditions necessary. Contact Crystal
at celwell@irvingbible.org. Last day,
June 8. Vox will resume in Septem-
ber, please watch Chatter for more
details.
Next Gen Choir
Wednesdays, 5:406:30 p.m.
Students in 4th-8th grade are
invited to join our Next Gen choir.
We are seeking to help students
grow in Christ through the develop-
ment and understanding of worship.
Contact Crystal Elwell at celwell@
irvingbible.org. Last day, June 11.
Choir will resume in the fall, please
watch Chatter for more details.
FREE Citizenship Class
Wednesdays, 6:308 p.m.
IBC Conference Room
For those at least 18 years old who
have been issued a Permanent
Resident Card. We will help prepare
you for the citizenship test and
the interview. Contact Norma at
2435citizenship@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.
Visit 2435kinwest.org.
IS YOUR
LIFE AT A
CROSS-
ROADS?
We all experience challenges in life, times when we
could benet from the support of a caring Christian.
Stephen Ministry at IBC provides one-to-one Christian
care to individuals who are experiencing difculties
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 en-
courage 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 difcult season.
This is a condential ministry. The identity of those re-
ceiving care and the nature of what takes place in each
relationship will remain private.
Contact stephenministry@irvingbible.org or
call (972) 560-4636.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
JULY 1418
GULF SHORES BEACH, AL
Finding Your Identity in Christ
Join other middle school students for a week of fun,
friendships and time to grow in your relationship with
God. Find out who you were always meant to be dur-
ing this unforgettable week, with teaching and music
presented by well-equipped and passionate high
school students.
HIGH SCHOOL
JULY 10-14
GULF SHORES BEACH, AL
Finding Your Identity in Christ
Join guest speaker Brian Aaby for an unforgettable
summer experience where you will learn more about
what it means to find your security and identity in the
person of Jesus. Music led by Jason and Crystal Elwell.
REGISTRATION COST: HS: $450; MS: $400
AVAILABLE THROUGH JULY 1.

Pentecost Sunday:
Fun for everyone!
Celebrate the gif of our IBC family and the birth of Gods (big-C)
Church! Join us Sunday, June 8 for food trucks, bounce houses,
karaoke, live bands and more.
Where: Down by the pond
When: afer the 10:45 service
The event is free (excluding food).
S
U
N
D
A
Y
P
E
N
T
E
C
O
S
T
Our world is lled with a lot of crazy
creatures including you! At VBS,
well learn that weird really means
something special, unique, or rare,
and how Jesus love is one-of-a-kind!
When: June 1619, 9 a.m.12 p.m.
Where: Irving Bible Church
Register: irvingbible.org/vbs
Cost: $20 before June 1; $30 June 1 and later.
Family discounts and scholarships available.
Questions? Contact mparlett@irvingbible.org.
June 16-19 at Irving Bible Church
VBS 2014
With a masters degree and a PhD in Marriage and Family Counseling, Dr. Jona-
than Cude brings his years of practical experience to a topic that afects every
marriage: conict. If you and your spouse are looking for a practical approach
to improving the way you communicate when emotions are high, join us for an
informative, encouraging morning. Cost: Free Location: West A&B
Remember those conversations with your dad that really made
an impact? Maybe a time he shared a special insight or a prin-
ciple that guided your life? Join First Watch this summer for a
special two-part series for fathers and their teenage sons. What
does it mean to be a man from Gods perspective? What are the
crucial things fathers and sons should know? Dont miss this
special opportunity to connect with your son this summer.
AUTHENTIC
MANHOOD
FATHERS AND TEENAGE S ONS
J UNE 2 0 & 2 7
FIRST WATCH: FRIDAYS, 6:22 A.M. IN THE COMMONS
HOT COFFEE
*
DONUTS
*
BANANAS
The Gathering:
a night of worship
and prayer
Thursday June 12, 7 p.m. in
The Commons
Note: The Gathering will meet
once a month during the summer.
Community
Service Night:
June 19th
Serve the kids at IBC with
other Young Adults at the VBS
Celebration. We have several
volunteer spots to ll.
For more details contact Chris at cspalding@irvingbible.org.
Summer Fun!
JOIN YOUNG ADULTS AT IBC FOR A CHANGE OF PACE.
Communication and Conict
a marriage seminar
June 29, 9 a.m. with Dr. Jonathan Cude
S
U
N
D
A
Y
Chatter | 18
First Worship Service: 9 a.m.
Childrens Classes (all ages)
Synergy (40s & 50s), the Alcove
The Tree (young marrieds and families), West D
Second Worship Service: 10:45 a.m.
Childrens Classes (all ages)
Crossroads (mid 20s-30s couples), West C
On Track (single parents), Conference Room
Journey (all welcome), The Alcove
Renew (multi-generational), Training Center
Thrive (30s & 40s singles), West D
Third Worship Service: 5 p.m.
Childrens Classes (all ages)
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.
6/1 Awesome Pizza, breadsticks,
super salad bar.
6/8 NO MEAL (no 5 p.m. service)
6/15 All American burgers and brats,
chips, salad bar.
6/22 Godzilla potatoes with all the fixins,
salad bar.
6/29 Chicken Fingers, potatoes, salad bar.
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
Each Wednesday night from 5-6:20 p.m., IBC pre-
pares 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!
6/4 Lasagna, bread sticks, salad, dessert.
6/11 Chicken tender sandwich, salad,
chips, dessert.
6/18 Deluxe burgers, pickle spears,
cole slaw, dessert.
6/25 Pizza, salad, dessert.
All June meals hosted by Bob Downey and Karen
Rails team.
Changes to the menu may be made depending on
availability and Bob Downeys whim.
If youd like to serve on a Wednesday night meal
team, please email bdowney@irvingbible.org.
THE MOSAIC CAF (THE MO)
Caf Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 8 a.m.5 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m.7 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.12 p.m.
Closed Saturday
Sunday: 8 a.m.12:30 p.m. & 47 p.m.
Phone: (972) 4433323
SUNDAY SCHEDULE
My Time, Talents & Skills
Medical Professionals Needed
Our weekly medical clinic is in need of professional health
care providers (MD, PA, FNP) to provide treatment for
our patients. Volunteers serve on a rotating basis, and
do not have to serve every week. Contact Charles at
cpierce@2435clinic.org.
Childrens Ministry Leaders
Each Sunday we help 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 aged kids. We have opportunities for all skill
sets. Contact Melody at mparlett@irvingbible.org.
Mercy Street Mentors
There are currently children waiting for a mentor to encour-
age them as they walk through the difculties of genera-
tional poverty. For more info, contact Jen at mercystreet@
irvingbible.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 new-
friendsnewlife@irvingbible.org.
Meal Team Volunteers
IBC makes meals available both Sunday and Wednes-
day nights. These fun teams could use some additional
volunteers to serve together. For Sundays, contact sun-
daynightmeal@irvingbible.org. For Wednesdays, contact
bdowney@irvingbible.org.
Mentor Kids in Single-Parent Families
Men and women are needed for gender-specic mentoring
of children from single-parent families. Contact Marsha at
mtribbett@irvingible.org.
The Main Place
The Main Place provides clothing for homeless teens in
Irving ISD. Contact Sharon at themainplace@irvingbible.org.
My Resources
Laptops for My Refuge House
Want to tangibly help victims of sex trafcking? Donate
your used, but operational, laptop to the IBC Mission de-
partment. They will be sent to the girls at My Refuge House
in the Philippines for their school program. Contact Lauren
at lmoussa@irvingbible.org.
Laundry Soap and Dryer Sheets
Laundry Love is collecting laundry soap and dryer sheets
for their monthly events in Irving. Please bring these to
the Laundry Love box in the donation area by the Training
Center. For more info visit llpirving.org or contact
info@llpirving.org.
Online Giving Option
If you would nd it more convenient to donate to the minis-
tries of Irving Bible Church online, visit irvingbible.org/give.
HOW DO I GIVE?
Were so glad youre here. Sometimes its hard to know
where to begin, but we want to make the process of con-
necting and feeling at home as easy as possible. Here are
some ways to start.
The Information Center is a great place to get your ques-
tions answered, nd help and encouragement for your per-
sonal journey, or just have a cup of cofee 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 gure out what IBC is all about or how
you t into the larger picture? Want free breakfast every
Sunday for four weeks? Propel is designed to help you
gure 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.
New to IBC?
Information Center
Have questions? Were here to help.
irvingbible.org/connect
Small Groups
Connect with others on the journey.
irvingbible.org/smallgroups
Propel
Ready to get plugged in?
irvingbible.org/connect
Newcomer Gathering
Learn more about IBC
and meet others like you.
irvingbible.org/connect
Interested in learning more about IBCs budget for 2014 or other
nancial nuts and bolts? Visit irvingbible.org/budget.
Chatter | 19
What a Fool
Believes
To answer your rst question, yes, the
purpose of this entire column is to give
me an excuse to use a Doobie Broth-
ers song as the title. Why the Brothers
Doob? Because in February of 1973 they
charted with a cover of Jesus is Just
Alright which would go on to form the
basis of a raptastic remake by Christian
Star Search winners DC Talk in 1992. So
really, this is no, not an homage pay-
back, because I care not a whit nor a whisker for either version as one is a trav-
esty against classic rock and the other against pinch-rolled Bugle Boy jeans.
In all seriousness or at least as much seriousness as is permitted in this
column I wish to profoundishly expound upon Proverbs 26:4-5 which states
in verse 4, according to the New and Improved American Standard translation,
Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will also be like him. Do you
grasp the import of this statement? If you, Mr. or Miss/Mrs./Ms. Defender
of Righteousosity stoop to the level of your garden-variety internet gnome
and declare that God can indeed make a rock so big He cant lift it because He
made yo momma and she so fat aint nobody lifting her, well, youve managed
to qualify for the full portion of pity allowed under the Mr. T. Act of 1986.
If we advance a verse (and verily, a real Advance-A-Verse wouldve made a
killing in the 1940s) to Proverbs 26:5, we see Solomons admonition to answer
a fool as his folly deserves, that he not be wise in his own eyes. Which means,
maybe, that we shouldnt let the stupid spout of their stupidity unchecked lest
the merely ignorant join their ranks. If Reddit is any indication, we collec-
tively deserve an F in this department, mainly because we deserve an F-minus
regarding verse four.
So we are faced with quite a conundrum (is there any other kind?): How do we
bury the grotesque utterings of the hard-hearted haters populating this upper
Hades under equal parts truth and grace? Probably by not referring to them as
grotesque and threatening to bury them for starters, but you get my point.
First, knowing that something is true is not the same as knowing something.
I hope that we all know, without rsthand experimentation, that the sun is
hot. Its like the Justin Timberlake of the solar system, amiright? But can you,
of the top of your head, delve into an explanation of its internal ery fur-
nace where the joys of a fusion that is neither jazz- nor Asian cuisine-based
coalesce to start a chain reaction that eventually leads to sun spots and thus
to your 2004-era RAZR dropping calls in that same place along the Tollway?
I thought not. But you could if you studied astronomy and chemistry and
physics read the Wikipedia page about the sun. Similarly, how can you expect
yourself to answer questions ranging from annoying in their banality to alarm-
ing in their clarity when all you know is John 3:16? Sure, Jesus is the Truth, but
answering Christ the Lord to every question doesnt really cut it, as anyone
whos attempted to race through their BSF assignments can attest.
Second, knowledge may be power, but the power of God is more so. (It can even
give you the power to understand that tortuous sentence structure.) There is a
way of answering a query that seems right to a man, but its end often ends with
bounces of me and sticks to you (II Proverbs 495:). We stuf our answers
with pride and drizzle them with condescension before garnishing (to taste)
with a sprig of moral superiority. Many passages that actually exist in the New
Testament promise that the Holy Spirit will give us the right words to say to
people when such circumstances arise. If we let Him. If we have studied His
word so He can bring the appropriate passages back from where theyre tucked
behind who won the American League MVP in 1980 (George Brett) and onto
the tips of our tongues or typing nger(s). Then we can answer with force and
truth and power and grace. Will we necessarily convince our opponent of the
error of their ways? Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha-
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha. Maybe. But probably not. That is not our
job. Our job is to proclaim the truth and let God work on the heart.
Some plant seeds. Some water. Some reap the harvest. Just dont be the jack-
wagon who takes a Garden Weasel to the nascent sprout of truth in a mis-
guided efort to Biblify that hippie. Because what a fool believes he sees, no
wise man has the power to reason away. But the God who created you, me, that
hippie and Michael MacDonald can turn any foolish heart back to Himself.
Jason Fox does a mean Michael MacDonald/Peter Cetera/Aaron Neville/Dude
from Fine Young Cannibals impersonation.
Jason writes from Omaha, Nebraska, for reasons that neither the Lord nor Lori at Tyndale know why.
Chatter pities the fool who
never ate Mr. T Cereal. Like the
teeth of kids who ate too much
of it, its long-gone now.
The Doobie Brothers song China
Grove was written as a tribute to a
small town outside of San Antonio.
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.
Chatter visits Congo with the IBC team on the last
day of the Trauma Healing Conference. Confer-
ence attendees are holding gifts representing
the imagery from Isaiah 61; three-year-old Crystal
displays advanced, precocious reading taste.