OCTOBER 2015

It was a GREAT evening of fellowship and a celebration of all

that is GREAT about IBC, and all that is RIGHT with the World!

Norma Urban, Citizenship Director

WHY ARE WE HERE?

IBC is a community that exists

because we believe Jesus Christ
transforms lives. We want to be fully
alive as followers of Jesus, and we
hope youll join us on this journey.

HOW DO WE DO THIS?
GROWING IN CHRIST At the
heart of our journey is the gospel of
Jesus. We trust Christ as our Savior
and find ourselves becoming more
like him as we deepen our relationship with him.
CONNECTING IN COMMUNITY

The way of following Jesus is not a

path we walk alone. The gospel story
draws us into a community of people
whose lives are being transformed
by Jesus.

JOINING THE MISSION Followers

of Jesus arent just saved, theyre also

sent. Believers become witnesses to
the grace of God as they take part in
his mission to rescue and redeem the
lost and broken.
For more about growing in Christ,
connecting in community, and joining the mission at IBC, please contact
info@irvingbible.org.
CONTACT IBC
2435 Kinwest Pkwy
Irving, TX 75063
(972) 560-4600

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

FACEBOOK

New to IBC? Turn to page 18.

2435 KINWEST

On Sept. 9, IBC kicked-off

another year of ministry
through 2435 Kinwest, our
Wednesday night community
outreach. IBCers and community members came together
for a night of entertainment, a
free meal, and an open house.
There was singing, dancing, games, raffles, and even
rapping! Most importantly, attendees got to hear from ministry leaders as they shared
their hearts for the needs of
the Irving community.

Mom this place is cool. Can we

start coming to church here?

Boy, overheard at dinner

a letter from Chatter

Chatter is
Editor
Julie Rhodes
Art Direction, Design & Goodness
Josh Wiese, Lindsey Sobolik, JD Lemming
Admin Extraordinaire
Victoria Andrews
Pastor to Hashtags
Scott McClellan, Communications Pastor
Photography
Katherine Ivey (Photo Update)*
Writers
Craig Pierce (Next Steps)**
Ginger Smith (This is Life)*
Jason Fox (Idle Chatter)*
Megan Foreman (Chatter Facts)*
Peggy Norton (Joy)*
Editorial Assistance/Proofing
Summer Alexander*, Annie Stone*
Thoughts, comments, ideas?
Contact Chatter at chatter@irvingbible.org.
Need Chatter Digitally?
Chatter is on the web at
irvingbible.org/chatter.
Are you a media socialite?
Like Chatter on Facebook. Its so likeable.
*Most beloved and indispensable
Chatter Volunteer.
**Most beloved and indispensable
IBC staff member/elder.

SHE WASNT GOING TO SEE ANYBODY. No small talk, no averting her eyes, no flinching at the hot
limestone edge of the well. It was the quiet hour. She always came during the quiet hour. She breathed it in
the simple beauty of drawing water. A simple thing in a tight, rough braid of a life. Until him.

He told her everything. Everything she ever

did. Well, not everything, just the things that mattered. The Things that had blindsided, crippled,
and destroyed great swaths of her life. The things
that had gone on her record both the record kept
by outsiders and the record she kept within her
own heart. The things that made her come with
her jug alone.

The great theologian Charles Spurgeon observed:

Yes, she had tried to change the subject, and held her
back straight as the rabbi searched her eyes. But the
New Thing that started in her heart from the first
sound of his voice began unfurling and wouldnt be
done until she had unfurled her very self with news
for the whole town to hear: He told me everything I
ever did! Could this be the Messiah?

Jesus entered the womans conscience by making

her cons-cious of her story in a new way. He gave
voice to it. She could hear her story, finally, from
someone Real instead of from the incessant loop
inside her brain and the imagined dark-corner
conversations held by pretty people. It was a hard
story to hear. But the story itself, in this moment,
wasnt nearly as important as the storyteller.

In John Chapter 4, I see this woman clearly.

I see myself.
She is a woman with a burden of insecurity and
shame, who avoids certain, pretty crowds because
if they saw her, really saw her, they would whisper.
Who likes to carry her own jug, thank you very
much, and hold her head steady with the dignity
she manufactures for herself. Who likes to change
the subject.
Im not sure what the timbre of Jesus voice was
when he said to this woman, You are right when
you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have
had five husbands, and the man you now have is
not your husband.
It couldnt have been arctic, could it? I try to imagine his sound: the matter-of-factness mixed with
alien tenderness. The silent roar of truth hitting
her ears delicately, like a feather. Whatever his
angle of head, squint of eyelids against sun, shrug
of shoulder, or flick of finger, Jesus composite
message was just what she needed to hear.
What I need to hear.

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

LANGUAGE

FOOD

LIFE

GENERAL

SCIENCE

GEOGRAPHY

TEXAS

HISTORY

TOMFOOLERY

I know you. I know Everything. And I want to talk

to you about it.

In the arctic, muskox live in herds of 12-24

during the winter. Their name is derived from
the strong, musky odor given off by the males.
#redundant

Christ has different doors for entering into different peoples souls. Into some, he enters by the
understanding; into many, by the affections. To
some, he comes by the way of fear; to another, by
that of hope; and to this woman he came by way
of her conscience. (Spurgeon)

So she left her water jug there. Leaned it right up

against the limestone well, right next to his feet.
It wasnt about her reputation anymore, or about
how high she held her chin. This day, this moment, was about this would-be Messiah who could
tell you your story, even if it was a sad story. And
people needed to know.
All over town, she was saying: This man told me
everything I ever did! Could he be the Messiah?
How beautiful to be released from the starring
role in your story. No more the tragic hero, the
fallen angel.
How restful to be met on purpose by a well, just
when you thought you were all on your own.
How would her story end? We dont know. Would
there be more failure? Some mixture of victory
and pain, like in most lives? Would she able to
leave this mystery man, this not-her-husband? It
doesnt seem to matter to the gospel writer. What
mattered, what earned precious real estate in the
annals of Scripture, is that one day, a quiet, hiding
woman got a glimpse of her ultimate redemption
and took to the streets without stopping to ask.

Chatter | 3

Dear Jon

Are you a y
oung adult
at IBC? If so
IBCs pasto
, let us intro
ral staff. If N
duce you to
OT, we STIL
pastoral staf
Jon, the ne
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f. He came
west memb
to
meet Jon, th
down to Te
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e newest m
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s Pastor, an
ember of IB
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from Orego
d word is, h
Cs
n to take on
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the role of
rite food is
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namias guac
amole.

Chatter | 4

One-fourth of the U.S.s total llama

population lives in Oregon.

Avocados have been cultivated for

over 10,000 years. Because duh.

Chatter caught up with Jon via the interwebs for a

cozy, email-based Q&A.

CHATTER Jon, welcome to IBC. You look tan, well

rested and ready for action. Tell us your secret. And
more about, you know, YOU in general.
JON JONES Thanks, Chatter. Youre too kind. I am
a product of the west coast. After being born and
raised in California, I spent a few years in Washington
before settling into Portland. I lived there for 15 years,
then my wife Meagan and I moved to Lake Oswego,
OR, where we have lived for the past three years, and
had our daughter Ainsley (17 months). For hobbies I
love soccer (avid Portland Timbers and Arsenal fan),
playing guitar, cycling, skiing, and spending time traveling and exploring with my family. Meagan and I are
celebrating seven years of marriage in a couple weeks.
CHAT Congratulations! Were excited to meet her, too.
JJ: Thanks for that. Meagan has a beautiful and
tender heart. She is incredibly thoughtful and good at
connecting with others. I love that she loves others so
much. Also, she cracks me up on a regular basis.
CHAT Quick, tell us about your Official, Very Important, Pastoring Past:
JJ I have served as the High School Pastor at Lake
Grove Presbyterian Church for the last five years and
have been in full time ministry since 2000. I am a
graduate of Multnomah University with a double major in Theology and Ministry Leadership. Currently I
am working on my MDiv through Fuller Seminary.
CHAT Sweet. We had a feeling youd be at least semiqualified. (Kidding!) But seriously, tell us more about
how your background equips you well to work with
young adults.
JJ Ive been working with millennials for the entirety
of my career, first while they were high school youth
and in college, and now with them as young adults.
Since I have spent so much time journeying through
life with them, it seems like a natural fit to transition into pastoring this generation through their
20s and 30s. So my background in working with the
millennials
generational
nuances,
combined
together with
my passion
for helping
people follow
Jesus better,
seems like a

good foundation for

pastoring young adults.
CHAT What drew you
to IBCs young adult
ministry specifically?
JJ It was seeing the
potential that exists.
IBC is a strong, dynamic church that has
the potential to have a
thriving 20s/30s ministry. It excites me to
think about what God
could do with a church
like IBC throwing its
full weight behind a
generation like the millennials.
CHAT That DOES sound exciting. So, in your opinion, whats the most significant spiritual need of
young adults today?
JJ This is not going to sound very radical at all. I
think the most significant spiritual need for young
adults today is to be in a continually growing relationship with God. The greatest need of the human
heart is to know and follow Jesus regardless of the
generation. The greater question is: how do we speak
and translate the message of the Gospel into a millennial paradigm? Millennials are highly pragmatic
and want deep significance and purpose infused into
every area of their lives. They will chase anything
that provides that significance and have a low tolerance for just going through the motions. This is a
good thing!
CHAT How are young adults misunderstood by older
and younger generations?
JJ In my experience, the biggest misconception is
that they are uninterested in faith. There are many
studies that point toward the declining religious
affiliation of the millennial generation. The city from
which I moved is one of the primary symbols of that.
Religious affiliation in Portland is incredibly low.
This often gets translated as 20s/30s being uninterested in matters of faith. However, we have to be
careful to keep from confusing lack of religious affiliation with lack of spiritual appetite.
CHAT So they have an appetite for spiritual things
but are not religiously affiliated. Why the disconnect?
JJ Prior to the Internet, there was a culture of expertise. If you wanted to know something about faith,

Jon, wife Meagan and daughter Ainsely (17 mos) moved from Oregon last month.

you would go to your local church. If you wanted to

be a part of it you would become a member and buy
in to being a part of the church. With the rise of the
connected world, access to expertise on faith looks
far different. You can listen to the best sermons in the
world, see what is current in social justice, donate to
a cause you like, and have conversations about faith
with friends across the world, all without ever leaving your sofa.
CHAT How should the church respond to this?
JJ What the connected generation of 20/30-somethings need is not more access to a church because
they have all they need. They need to see a church
that is willing to be different. A church that will
wrestle with faith and demonstrate every day a life
that is worth living and dying for. It sounds so simple,
and really it is. Yet, it is the most demanding calling
possible for a church: live like Jesus now.
CHAT So, youve basically answered our next question, but well ask it anyway: Why is having a thriving
young adult ministry important at a church like IBC?
JJ Put simply, because the world needs 20s/30s who
believe that what Jesus says is true and put it into
action daily. Think of the ways the world could be
changed, renewed, restored, and blessed if we had an
entire generation of 20s/30s actively living out the
Gospel in their work places and communities. Imagine the marriages that could be strengthened and
the children that could be raised if 20s/30s didnt
wander away from faith. That is why a thriving young
adult ministry is important.
CHAT Welcome to IBC, Jon. Now lets go get you
some guac.

Soccer was illegal in Mississippi

until 1991.

Chatter | 5

OL
D

OCTO

EW

I N TE RVIE W S

Chatte

015
BER 2

APRI

L 200
5

on

Its Chatters 10th (and a half) Birthday!

Leave it to Chatter to celebrate a half-birthday. In honor of Chatters decade (and a little more), we thought
wed dig up the very first issue of Chatter, ever April 2005 for a friendly little, well, CHAT.

Chatter | 6

The first issue of Chatter was

printed for April, and the editors
name at the time was also April.

NEW CHATTER OCTOBER 2015Hi, April 2005.

Its been a while.

OLD CHATTER APRIL 2005Wow! We havent aged a

day! Actually, we HAVE lost some weight. Hey LOOK: a

squirrel! TWO of them. TWO SQUIRRELS. I wonder if
we should interview them.
NEW CHATWow. Youre all over the place. Just like I
remember you. Yep, we actually HAVE lost some weight
18.465909% of our size, to be exact. Went from 11 X 14
down to 10.25 x 12.25 a few years after you made your
debut. Good thing, too, with the recession and all. Paper
prices yeesh.
OLD CHATThere was a recession? Hold on, I need to call

s e al o f

NEW CHATUm, yea, we kinda do.

OLD CHATDid she get a new couch? Oprah, I mean.

Tom Cruise really did a number on it this year. Ill bet

he and Katie Holmes have like 10 kids now. So adorable.
(I WOULD say totes adorbes but thats not due to assault pop culture vernacular until 2014.)

appr val
o

OLD CHATWhat is it?

NEW CHATRitalin.
OLD CHATHey listen, I know our mission is to educate,
inspire, inform and entertain the IBC family, but we gotta
make us some MO-NEY. IBC has a big mortgage to pay off!

NEW CHATUh, lets not get off topic. I know that can be,
um, hard for you.

last year.

NEW CHATDont hurt yourself, April. Were still two-

color on vanilla uncoated paper.

OLD CHATOh, come on! At LEAST tell me weve started

NEW CHATActually, IBC paid off its mortgage debt

OLD CHATWithout charging $1.99 per issue?

NEW CHATEven without that.

season of Lost. How does Lost end, by the way? NO.

DONT TELL ME. Ok, tell me. NO. DONT TELL ME.
NEW CHATSuit yourself.

OLD CHATOK, but I DO need to know this: what are the

NEW CHATUh

NEW CHATYep, they still do. Weve been to the Great

Wall of China, The Eiffel Tower, castles in Ireland, museums in Italy, mountains in South America, the desert
in Israel, the opera house in Australia and more. We have
been swimming with sting rays, mountain climbing in
Colorado, and sun-bathing on countless beaches.

spondents covering major world news wars, elections,

American Idol, that kind of thing. In fact, I bet were just
in time to start covering the 2016 Election! Whos running
for President?
NEW CHATWell, a Clinton, a Bush, a
OLD CHATExcuse me?
What year did you say were in, again?
NEW CHATI know. Long story. Dont ask.
OLD CHATUm. Okaaaaay Fine. Lets cut the small talk

and get down to business. Whats our SUBSCRIPTION

rate these days? I bet we make a killing on some kind of
futuristic Geocities web site. Or on that Book of Faces
thingy that just came out.
NEW CHATLets just say were still doing a lot ofpro

bono work.

OLD CHATWere not Oprah, you know. We dont have to

just GIVE stuff away for FREE.

Chatter Facts (like the one youre

reading now) first appeared in the
November 2007 issue.

Favorite
November
Turkey:
Redacted
(November 2013)

OLD CHATWow. That is more wonderful than the first

interviewing big celebrities now. Lance Armstrong, for

instance. How many TDF wins does he have now, like 12?
That guy. What a champ.

OLD CHATAnd hey, Im sure (by now) weve got corre-

Favorite Wheres Chatter Excursion

Chatter goes weightless on the vomit
comet (October 2007)

NEW CHATI cant even look at you right now.

Here, take this.

my stockbroker to check up on my Barnes & Noble stock.

Wait. Where did I put my Razr?...

OLD CHATRight. Good point. Ok, so tell me what else

is awesome and different about us? Do we have holographic pages where the eyes from pictures follow you
like in Harry Potter? Pop-up inserts? Glossy, four-color
ink? Vellum overlays?

CHATTER
10.5-YEAR FAVORITES

coolest places weve visited the past 10 years? I hope IBCers still love taking Wheres Chatter shots!

Favorite Chatter Fact

The name Jayson means healer. The
name Jason means boring healer.
(July 2013, Band Mate Matchup)
Favorite Interview
Interview With a Dead Guy: St. Patrick
(March 2013, written by Jason Fox)
Favorite
Photograph
Portrait of Ron
Hall and Denver
Moore shot by
Trey Hill
(May 2009)

OLD CHATWow. We sound very well rounded.

NEW CHATStill rectangular, April 2005. Still rectangular.
OLD CHATYou know, youve gotten pretty LITERAL in
your old age.
NEW CHATI never realized how CRAY-CRAY we were
in our earlier years, April.
OLD CHATCray-cray?
NEW CHATNevermind. Youll find out soon enough.

Favorite Chatter Game

Inside the Steeple
Favorite Typo
In the May 2005 issue, an oversight led
to Chatter (mistakenly) running an ad for
Common Ground (college group) that
included a line about drink specials.
Its now lovingly reffered to as the
Chatter Booze Ad.
Favorite Special Issue
The Kutchi Issue (February 2010)

Chatter | 7

Boppybish fushy
MAMA kidlido feshi
beeoposh gianbifishty.
Translation: I feel safe when
Miss Lindsey gives me a hug.
Its not as scary to be away
from mommy and daddy.

Oooofish bobygosh
follysob GURGLE
lommedilf.
Mr. Brian smiled at me when
my parents checked me in.
Im happy to be here.

Nursery Classroom
leaders needed: 10

Welcome/check-in Team
members needed: 6

Dibbidobigollim
joshie oastibeen
NAM NAM lillib
oofum.
If Ms. Emily didnt get
the crafts ready this
morning, I would NOT
be a happy camper.
Resource Volunteers
needed: 1-2

Kids connect with God in different ways. Some find him in a

story, in a song, in the warm arms of someone safe. Thats why
theres always a place for you with kids. You have something
special to offer, a way only you can make kids feel close to God.
To find your spot visit irvingbible.org/findyourspot today.
Dont miss your chance.

Chatter | 8

Childrens Ministry at IBC requires

over 300 volunteers in 20 different
roles every Sunday to serve 900 kids.

Next Steps:

LETS GET GOING!

Chatter asked IBC pastors to weigh in on their next steps for
the year personally, spiritually, or ministry-wise. Heres Craig.

ing Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, once wrote that there
is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the
heavens (Ecc 3:1). Well, we are entering a new season in the Pierce
household. For the last 25 years, we have been raising three boys.
Changing diapers, teaching them to ride a bike, attending soccer games, baseball, basketball, football, class plays, summer camps, father/son
retreats and family vacations. Loving them, instructing them and disciplining
them. It hasnt all been easy. But all in all, it has been quite an exciting ride. I cant
even describe how proud I am of each of them and how full my heart is with love
for those three boys.

But that season has come to a close. Last month, we drove our youngest son to
Abilene, Texas where he will begin his freshman year at ACU the place where
Cathy and I met and fell in love. We moved him in to his dorm, took him on a quick
tour of all the places we used to frequent in the 80s, and then got in the car to make
that 3-hour drive home. And even though weve made that drive countless times,
this time was different. This time we would be coming back to an empty house. We
are in a new season. People call it the empty nest season. And I have to be honest:
Ive been looking forward to it. Just thinking about the possibilities has me a little
giddy. Date nights any night we want. Going to bed at 8:30 if we want. Wearing as
much or as little as I want around the house. And its very tempting to start thinking
that its all about us and maybe its time to start slowing down and coasting just a bit.
But then one day, as I was talking with my oldest son who happens to be great
at asking questions he asked me this: What are yours and moms plans for this

next season? And I thought to myself, Hopefully, not much! After all, dont we
deserve that? And then he tells me about a quote from one of his favorite pastors,
which went something like this: When your memories become brighter than your
dreams, you are dying. I sat there quiet for just a few minutes. Inside my head, I
was arguing, No! Dont say that. I like my memories. Leave me alone. Let me be.
But in my heart, I knew what he was saying was right.
And so I began to wonder. What if God is just getting started with me? I hadnt really thought about it quite like that. And then a friend challenged me with this idea:
He said, Look, the average life span is close to 80 years now. You became an adult
around 21 years old, and so when you think about it, you are only about halfway
through your adult life. Surely God isnt dialing things down for you at the halfway
point. This made me think of one of my favorite heroes in the bible, Caleb. We
named our middle son after him. He was a man who had a different spirit and followed God with his whole heart. A man who in his early years was one of only two
spies (out of 12) who trusted God enough to say to Moses, Absolutely! We can go
take the land God promised us! when all of his other compadres retreated in fear.
And then he gets to the back half of his life, a time when he could have just retired
knowing that his great faith will be remembered and even recorded for all of history. And yet at 85 years old, he doesnt slow down. Listen to his words: Now then,
the LORD has kept his promise And here I am, 85 years old. I am still as strong
today as the day Moses sent me out; Im just as vigorous to go out to battle now as
I was then. So give me the mountain country that the LORD promised me that day
long ago. Wow! I want some of that!
Were talking a lot about next steps around here at IBC these days. And honestly, I
dont know what my next steps will be yet. But I do know this. God isnt done with
me yet and this is not the time to slow my pace down to a leisurely walk. He intends
my steps to be just as vigorous and determined, if not more so, over these next 30
years as they have been with the last. So my prayer has become, God, thanks for
the grace and patience and goodness youve shown me as weve climbed this mountain called parenthood together. I wouldnt trade one moment away. But now its
time for the next mountain. Lets get going!
When he was growing up, Craig Pierce dreamed of becoming a bus driver someday.
Craig serves on IBCs Teaching Team and is a member of the Elder Board.

Craig and Cathy Pierce with sons Jacob, Corbin, daughter-in-law Maddie and Caleb.

Abilene Christian University, founded in

1906, has many notable alumni, including
pastor, Max Lucado, country music artist,
Ronnie Dunn, and designer, Lindsey Sobolik.

Chatter | 9

pKaj
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K
K
a
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j
j
Contagious Joy
When Heather walked into My Refuge House for the first time, Sarah*
instantly caught her attention.

Heather Bland is the new CEO of My Refuge House, a non-profit ministry

located in Cebu, Philippines that provides educational, spiritual, physical,
emotional and mental care to help restore survivors of commercial sexual
exploitation and abuse. IBC has been a MRH partner since 2011.

Sarah is a survivor of human trafficking. Sarah first came to My Refuge House

as a strong, but angry, 15-year old girl in 2012. Even when Sarah was on the
streets, she knew deep down inside her life had meaning. After coming to My
Refuge House, Sarah slowly
began to trust again and her
A local Pastor in Cebu baptizes girls from MRH.
confidence was restored. For
the first time in a long time,
Sarah felt safe and loved.

Over the years, everyone who

has come to know Sarah has
been touched by her and
Heather was no exception.

The girls were singing and talking and

I heard a voice say, God created me and
He said: it is good!
What struck Heather about Sarah, and
the other girls, was their unbridled joy.

I think for
Sarah her
baptism was
her way of
accepting her
belovedness.

It was the joy that caught me totally off guard, Heather said, especially after
all they have been through.

As the group went into the waters of the ocean, Sarah stayed back. She waited
and was the last one to be baptized.

Heather explains, For Sarah her baptism was the final step in her healing process. I remember the pastor saying, We are all beloved children of God. I think
for Sarah her baptism was her way of accepting her belovedness.

No one can erase the grief and hardships Sarah and the other girls have experienced, but what we can do is focus on the hope and the joy these girls now have
thanks to My Refuge House.

On my first visit to My Refuge

House, I was participating in a
retreat, Heather explains. To
break the ice, the girls were playing a game and Sarah was leading. She had a big
smile on her face and it was evident the other girls looked up to her.
Sarah serves as a peer leader at My Refuge House and is a positive role model
for the other girls in the house. Her confidence and presence help put everyone
at ease.

After serving in adult ministries at IBC, Peggy Norton is now trying her hand
with kindergarteners. Pray for her.
Peggy is a communications professional at a global security company.

*Name changed for privacy.

I remember when a new girl came to My Refuge House, the girl was literally
shaking, she was so afraid, Heather recalls. But in a matter of moments Sarah
and the other girls had swooped in to give her love and reassurance. They had
her settled down in no time. Two days later, you could visibly see the transformation of the new girl; she knew she was in a safe place.
That sense of community and belonging is due in no small part to girls
like Sarah.

Sarah is symbolic of the growth and potential of these girls. In just three years,
she was able to complete her schooling and earn a four-year college scholarship. Sarah is one of the first girls from My Refuge House to go to college. Her
goal is to become a police officer so she can help put an end to trafficking.

FASHIONED FOR FREEDOM

NOVEMBER 5, 2015, 7 P.M.

BENEFITTING MY REFUGE HOUSE

The angry little girl who walked through the doors of My Refuge House is now
a young woman who has grown in so many ways, including spiritually.

Frontiers of Flight Museum

6911 Lemmon Avenue
Dallas, TX 75209

Heather had the opportunity to witness Sarahs baptism.

Tickets start at $50.

I remember the day clearly, Heather says. The girls and I all boarded a bus to
make the hour-long trip up the coast.

Chatter | 10

According to the U.S. State Dept.,

there are nearly 400,000 adult women and
minor girls working in the Philippines
sex trade.

PLEASE NOTE:
Venue is handicap-accessible // Cocktail attire
// Free parking

fashionedforfreedom.com

THE LORDS PRAYER: AN INTERPRETATION

By the members of In His Image, IBCs Special Needs Bible Study

A note from Shannon Miller, Special Needs Director at IBC

In His Image is a small group Bible study for adults with learning differences.
Through this group, we have seen first-hand how the Holy Spirit can circumvent any
and all limitations to draw his children close to him. This is not a group with blind,
simple faith they ask deep questions, think critically, apply their beliefs to everyday
life, and cling to God with fierce faith through all kinds of trials and difficulties. Here
is the Lords Prayer, in their own words.

Our

Father~

L
K
a
j

friend, priest, healer, and protector who

hears us, talks to us and is #1 in our hearts,
Your home is in heaven, where you
watch over us.
We lift up your holy name above all
creatures. We dont use your name to
curse. You are perfect and we do not
use your name in other ways. Your
name is God!
Your kingdom is pure. Help us to
bring your kingdom to earth by celebrating your birth and resurrection,
and proclaiming the Good News that
Jesus is alive and watching us now.
Bring peace, kindness and love to the
earth. Help us not to judge or hurt
people; help us not to be racist. Help
us to love our neighbors, and
our enemies.

You want peace and tranquility all

over the world. You want us to live
healthy lives, to be kind, learn the
Bible, and help others who are not as
fortunate as we are. But most of all,
You want everyone to bow down and
worship Jesus.
We know that someday well be with
Jesus. There will be no crying, no wars,
no anger or sadness, no suffering, no
sin, no pain, no sickness, no hurting
people, and no surgeries!
Each day we need you to give us life,
food and water, a roof over our heads,
enough money to live on, happiness,
help to not tell lies, and your attention.

Help us to say I forgive you to anyone

who wrongs us, every time, forever.
Help us to turn the other cheek and not
be bitter. We know that we forgive
others because you have forgiven us.
Keep us from sinning. Help us to do
other stuff like read the Bible, and speak
to us in our mind and heart. Keep us
busy, and give us friends and family to
support us.
Take us away from evil. Protect us from
the devil and his evil forces on the
earth. Save us through your grace
your unearned love and forgiveness.
We were lost, but now we are found.
Amen!

Forgive us for devouring too much

food, getting mad at people, being
couch potatoes, wanting too much
money, and being selfish. Thank you
for dying for our sins.

Chatter is asking several pastors and IBC

family members to write The Lord's Prayer in
their own words. To submit yours, send it to
chatter@irvingbible.org.

The word "surgery" comes from the

Greek "cheirourgen" cheir (hand) and
ergo ( to work) "to work with the hand."

Chatter | 11

This Is Life.
As

Ginger Smith found a way to turn past pain into real help for
those struggling at IBC.

I went to my car, the sound of running water in the garage was my first clue that something was
amiss. Then I saw it, a steady stream coming from the hot water heater. Dang it, I thought. I dont
have time for this. Im already running latefor my chemo appointment. This was not shaping up to be a
very good day. For that matter, this wasnt shaping up to be a very good YEAR!
But this is life, isnt it? Some days are harder than others. Some whole seasons are hard. Cancer wasnt
my favorite season, but it was a walk in the park compared to the divorce Id experienced years earlier. The
trajectory of my life was NOT what I had planned or pictured, but it was somehow part of Gods plan. During
those seasons, God comforted me and drew me close in ways I had never experienced before. He also gave
me support from friends and family that met real needs for me, from bringing meals during cancer to just
listening as I cried my way through divorce. I didnt understand why God put these experiences in my path,
but trusted He would bring good out of them. He has, in so many ways.

Here was a
place where
God could take
the pains of
my past and
use them for
good.

When my daughter left for college, I found myself with new discretionary time and energy. I had poured myself into raising her, training her in godliness, doing her laundry, fussing at her to do her homework, chaperoning her choir trips, etc., and that time and energy was now available for something new.
A friend suggested I would be a good fit for Stephen Ministry so I checked it out. Here was a place where
God could take the pains of my past and use them for good. Everyone goes through hard seasons and needs
someone just to listen and care. Many get that from friends and family, but some dont, and in some cases,
your friends and family are part of the problem or are just too close to it, and you need to lean on someone
OUTSIDE of that circle.
If you are in a hard season and need a listening ear, reach out to the Stephen Ministry to be paired up with
someone who has lived through some tough stuff and wants to be an encouragement. If youre on the other
side of your hard times and would like to spend a couple hours a week to come alongside someone else and
walk through a hard season with them, then Stephen Ministry might be the right place for you. New Stephen
Ministers will be designated this fall and training begins in January.
The apostle Paul refers to our God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we may be able
to comfort those experiencing any trouble with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God
(2 Cor 1:4). What a beautiful thing! God can use my pain and the comfort I received to comfort others during
their difficulties.

To get involved in Stephen Ministry either as a care giver or care receiver, call the Stephen Ministry hotline at (972) 560-4636 or contact us via email at: stephenministry@irvingbible.org.

Chatter | 12

According to the American Cancer Society,

in 2015, there will be an estimated 1,658,370
new cancer cases diagnosed in the U.S.

Fun &
Freedom
Fall Festival
For families with special needs
Saturday, October 31, 11 a.m.4 p.m.
Irving Bible Church
Imagine you have a family.
And in that family, you have a precious one with special needs.
A cherished one, dearly loved one, beautiful one. And maybe
you dont get out much because its just too difficult.
And sometimes its hard to find friends who understand. And
sometimes it feels like youre in the only family in the world
with this set of challenges. And sometimes you just wish you
could have fun. Together. With people who get it.

for the kids and a catered, adults-only lunch for the

parents/caregivers.
Activities Include:
Art Escape for Parents/Caregivers by Debi Slaver
Bible/Worship Time for the entire family
Games and fun for all

For all the sometimes, theres THIS time:

Special Olympics Texas basketball drills

Irving Bible Church and Victory Flows are excited to announce our Fun and Freedom Fall Festival. This event will
provide individuals living with disabilities and their families a unique, fun-filled event, custom-designed to meet the
needs of this special community.

Bounce house

We invite you and your family to dress up in costume (optional) and join us! Trained volunteers will team up with
our special friends for planned activities including fall arts
and crafts, Bible/worship time, food and more. Siblings are
invited to attend and have their own separate activities
with leaders.
Parents and caregivers can relax, enjoy art therapy, participate in adult activities, hear speakers who are from the disability community, enjoy an adults-only uninterrupted meal,
OR do nothing at all and chill out in our parent escape room!
The event is ONLY $1 per person (donations welcome). This
includes all the activities for the day as well as a pizza party

According to the CDC, 14 percent of

children ages 13 to 17 have been identified with a developmental disability.

Adult Spa time by Ellen

Dibler and friends
Create and Take crafts for
special friends and siblings
Karaoke by DJ Dan for the
entire family
Epiphany DanceArts
Modern Dance Lessons for
all abilities Special Performance for all families
To register, go to VictoryFlows.org and click on the sign
up for fun link. For more information, email Shannon at
specialneeds@irvingbible.org.

The largest pumpkin ever measured was

grown by Norm Craven, who broke the
world record in 1993 with a 836 lb. pumpkin.

Chatter | 13

UPC O M I N G

October

November

OCTOBER 4

OCTOBER 24

NOVEMBER 1

Drawing Near to God Through Prayer

12:30 p.m.

Girl Stuff 9 a.m.

Debby Wade at Marriage 9 p.m.

Open to all girls in a single-parent family. Join us

See ad, pg. 16.

See ad, pg. 17.

to make crafts and visit the residents of Elmcroft

Perfectly Blended 9 a.m.

Senior Living Center. RSVP to Marsha at mtribbett@

The Table 10:45 a.m.

irvingbible.org.

See ad, pg. 17.

OCTOBER 30NOVEMBER 1

NOVEMBER 5

Middle School Retreat Sky Ranch

Fashioned For Freedom 7 p.m.

How to handle being imperfect in a world

See ad, pg. 10.

Learn practical tips, and gain insight for raising your

stepfamily with wisdom. Register at irvingbible.org/
hopeandhealing.

Baptism orientation
12:302 p.m. West D
Register at irvingbible.org/baptism.

expecting perfection. Visit irvingbible.

org/students for more info.

OCTOBER 10
Outing for single moms and
their daughters

Save the Date

OCTOBER 31

Join us for an outing to the Dallas Arboretum for

Fun and Freedom Event 11 a.m.

(For families with special needs)

their beautiful fall display. RSVP to Marsha at mtrib-

See ad, pg. 13.

APRIL 2016
Holy Land Trip with Pastor Andy

bett@irvingbible.org.

See ad, pg. 16.

Kids Night Out Fear Factor

(For kids from single parent homes)
A night about critters from all over the world, and
discover why we shouldnt be afraid of Gods creation! RSVP to mtribbet@irvingbible.org.

OCTOBER 11
Shop Talk featuring Craig Detweiler
10:45 a.m. West A
Join us for a conversation with Craig Detweiler. This will
be a great conversation for parents of kids in all ages
and stages. More info at irvingbible.org/parenting.

OCTOBER 16-18
Father/Daughter Campout
Enjoy time away, meaningful conversations, and bonding with your daughter. Register at irvingbible.org/men.

Smiles Needed
OCTOBER 23-24
Tapestry Conference
See ad, pg. 16.

Chatter | 14

You can make a difference at IBC by lending us just one

thing: your smile. Join the Hospitality Team as an usher,
greeter, parking attendant, or safety team member. Youll
make visitors and IBCers alike feel right at home just in
time for the busy holiday season! Contact Sherri at ssharp@
irvingbible.org for more info.

ON G OI N G

MEALS

BIBLE COMMUNITIES

MARRIAGE

STUDENTS

Middle/High School and College

SUNDAY
COMMUNITY MEALS

Synergy
9 a.m. The Alcove
All Welcome

Marriage at IBC
Contact bmassey@irvingbible.org.

Middle School Sundays

Sundays 10:30 a.m.12:15 p.m.
The Commons

6 p.m. Town Square

High School Sundays

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

10/4

Groups on Sunday

The Tree
9 a.m. West D
20s & 30s, married & young families
Crossroads
10:45 a.m. West C
Couples & Families late 20s to 40s
Journey
10:45 a.m. The Alcove
All Welcome
On Track
10:45 a.m. Conference Room
Single Parents
Thrive
10:45 a.m. West D
Singles in their 30s & 40s
Renew
10:45 a.m. Training Center
All Welcome
Legacy Builders
6:45 p.m. West A All Welcome

CHILDREN

Infants Through 5th Grade

Childrens Sunday Services

9 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 5 p.m.
Elementary Midweek
Begins September 9, 6:308:30 p.m.
Kids connect with friends and
explore Gods word through small
groups, food, fun! Visit irvingbible.
org/elementarymidweek.

Growing Together

Pre-Marriage Mentoring
Visit irvingbible.org/marriage.

MEN

Community and Resources

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

High School Midweek

Wednesdays, 68:30 p.m.
Join us for Bible study and community.
See website for location and schedule

First Watch Replay

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

Middle School, The W

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.
Next Gen Area
Join us for a time of friendships and
teaching.

First Watch Xtra

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

Abortion Recovery Counseling

Contact Kym at (972) 560-4632 or
kyeichner@irvingbible.org.
Recovery at IBC
Thursdays, 6:308:30 p.m.
West Wing Youth Lounge
A group for hurts, habits, and
hangups. irvingbible.org/recovery.

10/11 Fajita Madness, chips and

salsa, huge salad bar
10/18 Burgers or brats, chips,
biggest salad bar in Irving
10/25 Giant baked potatoes and
fixins, chili, best salad bar
at IBC
If youd like to serve on a Sunday
night meal team, contact Pat
OReilly at (214) 289-6176 or sundaynightmeal@irvingbible.org.

Visit irvingbible.org/men.

WOMEN

Community and Resources

MISSION

Womens Fall Bible Study

Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. or 6:30 p.m.
The Commons
Join us as we study Proverbs.

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

family. PB&J sandwiches are
also available.

Prayer Meeting
2nd and 4th Wednesdays
6:45-8 p.m. The Chapel

Visit irvingbible.org/women.

Local and Global

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

2435 KINWEST

New Friends New Life

Serve dinner to women healing
from sexual exploitation (every third
Wednesday). Contact Christine at
newfriendsnewlife@irvingbible.org.

IBC Choir Kicks Off 9/9

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

SINGLE PARENT

Community and Resources

Sit with us on Sunday!

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

The Living Grace Group

For those with mental illness. Contact
Heath at heathmurry@yahoo.com.

SPECIAL NEEDS

Family Grace Group

For families/caregivers of those with
mental illness. Contact Buzz Moody
at myrabuzz@gmail.com.

Small Group for Moms

Sundays, 910:15 a.m.

NAMI Family-to-Family Class

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

Small Group for Parents

Wednesdays, 6:308 p.m.

Spousal Abuse Recovery

Contact kyeichner@irvingbible.org.

Pizza, breadsticks, giant

salad bar

WEDNESDAY
MIDWEEK MEALS
56:20 P.M.

HOPE & HEALING

Community Care

IBC College Ministry

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

Meals are $3 per person or $10

max./family.

Community & Care

In His Image Bible Study

Sundays, 6:307:45 p.m

SonShine Pals and Room

Care during Sunday ministry.

Contact specialneeds@irvingbible.org.

Wednesday Nights at IBC

ESL: English as a Second Language

Wednesdays, 6:308:30 p.m.
Haven B, C, D
Citizenship Class
Wednesdays, 6:308:30 p.m.
IBC Conference Room

10/7

Lasagna, breadsticks, salad,

dessert. Hosted by Mike
Gwartneys team.

10/14 Chopped beef sandwiches,

cole slaw, pickles, baked
beans, chips, dessert.
Hosted by Mike Gwartneys
team.
10/21 Honey Baked ham, scalloped potatoes, mixed
veggies, rolls, salad, dessert. Hosted by Bob
Downeys team.
10/28 Enchiladas, tacos, refried
beans, chips and salsa,
home-baked cookies.
Hosted by Barbara Wittes
team.

IBC Career Transition Ministry

Wednesdays, 6:308:30 p.m.

Changes to the menu may be made

depending on food cost, availability,
and Bob Downeys whim.

Microsoft Computer Skills

Wednesdays, 6:308:30 p.m.
The Training Center

If youd like to serve on a Wednesday night meal team, please email

bdowney@irvingbible.org.

Visit 2435kinwest.org.

CUPPA HOURS
MonFri

9 a.m.8 p.m.

Saturday

11 a.m.5 p.m.

Sunday

7 a.m.7 p.m.

Why is it
taboo
to talk
about
Sex can be beautiful.
Holy, even.
sex at And
it was Gods idea.
church?

Join Marriage at IBC on November 1

for a special presentation on sex with
Debby Wade, LPC, Licensed Marriage
and Family Therapist, and Certified
Sex Therapist. This presentation is
open to all, but space is limited. This
will be a very open, safe, and Christhonoring discussion about sex in the
context of marriage.

details

Nov. 1 at 9 a.m. in The Commons

Open to everyone. No registration required.
Questions? Contact Bekah at
bmassey@irvingbible.org.

Journey to the
Land of the Bible
April 920, 2016

Join Irving Bible Church and Pastor Andy on a

life-transforming journey April 9-20, 2016, as
you immerse yourself in the sights, culture, and
breathtaking landscapes of the Holy Land! The
Bible will come alive in ways you never thought
possible; and your daily walk, prayer life, and understanding of Scripture will be forever changed.
More Info: morningstartours.com/IBC838
Questions? Contact Donna OReilly at
doreilly@irvingbible.org

TA P E S T R Y
CONFERENCE
OCTOBER 23-24

The 2015 Tapestry Adoption & Foster Care Conference will be held October 23 & 24

at Irving Bible Church. This years theme: Back to Basics. We are excited once again to
welcome Dr. Karyn Purvis as keynote speaker.
We will offer three workshops on Friday, October 23. Saturday, October 24, will consist
of nine breakout sessions and two general sessions.
More Info: tapestryconference.org.

Film is
one of our
cultures
most
powerful
media.

How can we as Christ-followers

engage it in a redemptive way?
IBC has planned a screening of
The Martian for anyone interested in having a fun, thoughtful
evening out.
Following the lm, there will be a
panel discussion with voices from
both the church and lm worlds.
This event is also a great opportunity to give IBCers a non-threatening venue to introduce their
unbelieving friends to Christian
people and ideas.

Drawing Near
to God Through
Prayer

Prayer is one of the central avenues

of our transformation as we learn
to entrust God with all we are and
all we have. If you desire to deepen
your prayer life, remove obstacles
to prayer, or learn new ways to pray
as you grow closer to God, then consider participating in this free event

When: October 4, 12:303:30 p.m.

Where: The Training Center
More info: jstein@irvingbible.org
Register: irvingbible.org/explore

Welcome to
the Table!
Welcome to the Table! The Table exists to engage people in
a conversation about faith and the hard questions of life.
At IBC we seek to foster an open, relaxed and safe environment. The Table is a place where your questions are invited
and welcomed, and where you can voice your doubts. It
is a place for you to explore Christianity with others on a
similar journey.
Each of the ve sessions in this class focuses on an objection to the Christian faith.

IBC Movie Night

Register online or at the kiosk in the Town Square.

A night out for IBCers and their friends

Questions? Contact jstein@irvingbible.org.

WHERE Movie House & Eatery in Flower Mound

Seating is limited. To register, visit irvingbible.org/thetable.

WHEN Saturday, October 10, 6:25 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)

WHO Anyone! But space is limited to the 134 seats in the theater.
Keep in mind that The Martian is rated PG-13
COST $10 plus any food/drinks. No child care available.
Tickets will be made available at the Town Square kiosk.

Class Dates: November 122 at 10:45 a.m.

(Sunday mornings) in the Living Room.

HOW DO I GIVE?
My Time, Talents & Skills

HOW DO I GET
CONNECTED AT IBC?

Family Promise Day Center Volunteers

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

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

Kroger and Tom Thumb Rewards

Through the Tom Thumb Good Neighbor and
Kroger Neighbor-to-Neighbor Programs, every time
you make a purchase, a portion of your total will be
donated to IBC. Visit irvingbible.org/donate and follow the instructions. NOTE: Even if you have linked
your Kroger reward card to IBC before, you must
re-link your card for the new collection period. The
Tom Thumb program is ongoing. Contact lwoo@
irvingbible.org.

Start

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

Laptops Needed
2435 Kinwest has a new Microsoft Computer Skills
class. In order to best serve the community, they
need 5-10 laptops. Donated laptops must have Microsoft Office installed. Contact Shannon at2435kinwest@irvingbible.org.
Main Place Volunteers
If you have skills with electrical, plumbing,
construction. HVAC, etc the Main Place in Irving
could use some maintenance help. Contact Pam
at themainplace@irvingbible.org.

CHECK OUT THE NEWCOMER GATHERING

Meal Team Volunteers

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

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

here. The Newcomer Gathering is a great opportunity to
meet church leadership, learn what IBC is all about, and
connect with other newbies in a fun, relaxed environment.
Next Newcomer Gathering: January 2016

Medical Professionals Needed

Our weekly medical clinic needs professional health
care providers (MD, PA, FNP) to provide treatment
for our patients. Volunteers serve on a rotating
basis and do not need to serve every week. Contact
Charles at cpierce@2435clinic.org.
Mentor Kids in Single-Parent Families
Men and women are needed for gender-specific
mentoring of children from single-parent families.
Contact Marsha at mtribbett@irvingbible.org.
SeniorCare Volunteers Needed
SeniorCare, a ministry of IBC, needs the following
volunteers to help at assisted living and nursing homes: a mens group leader for Saturday or
Sunday evenings, and leaders for Sunday morning
services & communion twice a month at the Villages; leaders for Sunday services twice a month at
Ashford Hall; and volunteers to help with outings,
personal visits and devotionals at MacAurther Hills.
Please contact Mike at seniorcare@irvingbible.org.
Visitor Follow-Up Team
(Rex Greenstreet Ministry)
We are looking for a volunteer to make calls or
send welcome emails (or both) to new visitors from
IBC. Training and coaching will be provided.
Contact Sherri at ssharp@irvingbible.org.

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

SIGN UP FOR PROPEL

All right! Youre feeling the IBC vibe and want to see where
you might get involved. Propel is a 4-week class that explores
the IBC calling and culture, and how your unique personality
and passions fit in. Meet many of our pastors and directors of
ministries at IBC. Next Propel: February 2016

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

FIND A PLACE TO SERVE

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

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

FOR THE NEWCOMER GUIDES AT THE INFORMATION DESK.

Chatter | 18

Altoids (breath mints) are less widely

available in Britain their country
of origin than in the USA to which
they are exported.

THE GRAVEN
A POE PARODY
Once upon a Thursday evening, with spirit spent and eyeballs bleary,
Post the bedtime stories reading of wimpy kids and Hobbit lore
I plopped down on the divan, with universal remote in hand,
Turned on the TV (not the 4K version Id been begging for)
To a program, weird and wanton, not the one I had hoped for.
Something vacuous and nothing more.

Away with thee! I duly screamed; prayed for salvation in my Twitter stream
To banish the ghastly, airbrushed mien back to from whence it had leapt forth.
But there betwixt Grumpy Cat memes, a most vile, promoted tweet
Pushing bronzer on the masses whose pastiness upsets the bore
Get the #glow youve craved if you cant vacay at the shore!
I flushed my cache haunt me no more!

Ah, distinctly I remember how glottal fry and nasal timbre

Instantaneously dismembered once-bright neurons by the score.
Yet I could not turn away to conversation or printed page
I was drowning in shallow seas of drama I had not once asked for.
What is this trash? I muttered as I notched the sound up more
To better hear the blinged-out bore.

Perhaps if I went analog I could evade this plagues onslaught

Alas, my effort was for naught at the big box discount store.
For on the cover of In Touch, the bore protested much too much
How celebrity disturbed her chi till even shavasana became a chore.
I sensed impending regurgitation at the vapid self-report,
Paid for my Kit Kat, then out the door!

Of some outfit she was whining, it made her T-zone look too shiny
As her selfie flash was lighting Botoxed lips and chem-peeled pores.
She couldnt get the background right. Her puckered duck face off a slight,
She fired the assistant to her third assistant whom shed hired days before.
This is, like, a farce or something, so get your booty, like, out the door.
But were still BFFs, right, forevermore?

Amidst the traffics give and take I pondered humanitys mistake

In lifting up this gleaming fake to a seat of honor in the worlds grand court.
Wherefore didst we ere decide to reward coquettish glance and sigh?
What harbinger of doom is this that we stuff our souls with such ordure,
And shower adoration on a yoga-panted impostor?
Plead the graven, Watch me more!

A commercial break thusly appeared you thought this Tivod? Au contraire!

For this instant was I born prepared to break the spell at its dark core.
I seized upon my i-device to check twould be a stormy night,
Then I launched my Instagram to see friends quinoa from the eve before.
When in my feed most unsuspecting lurched that blinged-out demon spore
Wearing a smile and not much more.

Back at home with children dreaming, the better half fitfully sleeping
I chanced again my timelines streaming, daring fate to find true north.
But with each scrolling of the page, ten more examples of this fetid age:
The rich, the famous, the loud, the shameless clamoring for one like more.
Idols carved from prides own ore
Quothe the graven, Love us more!
Now upon this midnight dreary, I sit racked with doleful queries
Much aggrieved with modern theories for the existence of such ardor.
These mannequins of celebrity trade for tarnish an eternal gleam
Flaunt the proscription handed down to those who had, by grace, some worth
Thou shalt not! thus saith the LORD.
Be gone, foul graven, forevermore!
Jason Fox digs casks, pendulums and tell-tale donuts.
Jason writes from Omaha, Nebraska, where hes often told to stop being creepy.

As a questionable favor to Chatter readers,

Jason Fox reads The Graven on video: http://bit.ly/TheGraven.

Feline obsessed, Edgar Allan

Poe often wrote with a cat
perched on his shoulder.

Americans purchase nearly

600 million pounds of candy
a year for Halloween.

The ungainly fowl quoths Nevermore

six times in Edgar Allan Poes The Raven,
first published in 1845.

Chatter | 19

Chatter joined the IBC Haiti Team on a visit with

Caleb Lucien of Hosean International Ministries.

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.