M AY 2 0 1 4

a letter from

Chatter

iota forwards or backwards. Our stubborn will and our rogue curiosity would threaten to send us careening over the side of the cliff, save for the more stubborn, the more xed affection of God. In Exodus 15, Moses and Miriam sing a song of praise to God after he has brought the Israelites safely across the Red Sea and hurled Pharoahs army under the water. The song champions Gods great power in the face of mighty Egypt, declaring, In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling. Gods people had been set on a path, and there was no deviating from that path one little bit, not because of their sufficiency but because of Gods strength; not because of their wisdom, but because of Gods unfailing love. And boy would they mess up along the way; whining, disobeying, doubting Gods goodness, getting distracted. But they had been redeemed and were on a trajectory towards God and his holy dwelling. God would see it through. Are you feeling strong today? Weak? Some combination of both? It really doesnt matter. You are neither strong enough OR weak enough to affect Gods character or intentions. So stop exing in the mirror. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Stop looking at yourself all together, and become transxed by the Strength and Power and Sufficiency and Love that cannot be put into Neutral by your little hand.

An odd sort of comfort descended upon me last week as I watched my three-year-old daughter climb into the front seat of our SUV. I was

unloading groceries from the back, and Madeline saw an opportunity to ddle with all the knobs, buttons, levers and contraptions that operate a Nissan Murano. And while I dont like my radio stations changed around or the heat cranked up in the middle of the afternoon, I knew that nothing Maddie could touch would put her in imminent danger. Her legs were too short to reach the pedals; her arm too weak to pull the gear to Drive. She could blare music to hair-raising levels, disturb the neighbors with constant honking, and make a complete mess of my MIRROR situation, but the fact is that Madeline is just too weak to put herself in signicant danger in that situation, at least.

This seems paradoxical. Doesnt weakness imply vulnerability? Doesnt the weak baby seal get picked off rst by the polar bear? (Doesnt a weak metaphor get swallowed up by a stronger, more metaphorical metaphor?) In Maddies case, however, her weakness was her greatest defense. The gear she was trying to yank and the pedal she was trying to push werent made for her at all, but for an older, stronger parent who had been to driving school and possessed formidable gross motor skills. If she had anything to thank for her safety, it wasnt her will or curiosity those things left un-checked would have propelled her to the moon or right over a cliff it was her physical insufficiency. The Bible has a lot to say about mans weakness and insufficiency to earn right standing with God, but one thing we often overlook is how utterly powerless we are to escape the good hands of God once hes got us. We might push all the wrong buttons in our lives, screwing a lot of things up in a big way, but we are too weak to put ourselves in danger of divine abandonment. We just dont have the kind of muscle mass it would take to move the faithfulness of God one

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 Jacque Bundy (Photo Update)* Lauren Moussa (Dreams in Due Time, My Refuge House)* Trey Hill (Shalom, Dr. Jones)* Yony Kim (Find Your Spot)* Writers Alice McQuitty (Dreams in Due Time)* Jason Fox (Idle Chatter)* Kim Jones (Prepare to Be Amazed)* Megan Foreman (Chatter Facts) Peggy Norton (Find Your Spot)*

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.

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

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

Contact IBC

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

Photo Update: Oasis Womens Retreat

Women at IBC hosted their annual Oasis Retreat. Sara and Jeff Taylor led worship, and special guest Mary DeMuth challenged the women to allow their brokenness to be transformed into something beautiful. The weekend was a great time of relaxation, laughter, and refreshment.

This year, IBC celebrates 15 years of involvement with an unreached people group living in northwest India. Primarily Hindu and with a large percentage living in extreme poverty under the still-pervasive caste system, they have very little access to the Christian message or resources. Alice McQuitty reects on a recent trip to India, where she and an IBC team traveled to celebrate the work being done and the dreams that are, slowly but ITS A DREAM COME TRUE, was the buzz going around a prayer hall in Insurely, coming to fruition.
dia, as approximately 21 K* believers made their way to the front. Tears trickled down the faces of those who had labored so long to see this day. Though few in number, these new believers, now joining us in worship and reading the Scriptures in their own language, represent the rstfruits of what is hoped to be, one day, a great harvest of souls for Jesus. As one of them, a former Hindu, testied, The joy and peace that we could not nd in 30 million gods and goddesses, we found in the one true and living God in Christ. The gathering erupted in applause.

I consider it a rare privilege to have been part of this gathering and to have seen this dream-come-true. Last month, I traveled to K* with a team from IBC, which included Debbie Atteberry, Brent McKinney, Lauren Moussa, Andy McQuitty, and Jeff McQuitty. We traveled there to celebrate 15 years of ministry associated with the K* Development Program (KDP), an interdenominational organization of individual pastors, churches and missions organizations dedicated to bringing the gospel to the K*, an unreached people group of 1.5 million souls, in the second largest district of India. This district is made up of 972 villages most of them still waiting for Christ. It was a surreal moment as our group was invited to the front to present K* Bibles (along with heartfelt handshakes and hugs) to our new brothers and sisters in Christ. Every year since its establishment 15 years ago, the KDP has gotten together to pray, cast vision, encourage and report to one another the work that has been done. And much has been accomplished over the years: the establishment of faith-based schools that include Dalit (the lowest untouchable caste) children as well as the higher caste children; earthquake relief, including rebuilding entire villages; the translation of the New Testament and the Jesus Film into the K* language, the establishment of Christian radio broadcasts in K*, and the establishment of 26 self-sustaining churches! But the conference this year was very rst one to see K* believers in attendance, and the joy C Hthe INA was palpable. Because this area in India is goverened by a radical Hindu political party (and therefore hostile towards Christians), it makes the conversion of these dear ones even more cause for joy. We were unable to take their pictures for security reasons, but I will never forget their faces. BURMA
LAOS

TIBET

PAKISTAN

NEPAL BHUTAN

GULF OF OMAN

INDIA

BANGLADESH

AN

BAY OF BENGAL

ARABIAN SEA

SRI LANKA

What impressed me the most about our time in India was seeing the patience, perseverance, self-sacrice and supernatural love of our Christian brothers and sisters for the K* people. We met one pastor and his family who moved to a tiny village in the area eleven years ago. While they have had a signicant THAILAND impact in their village in terms of fostering education and hygiene, they have only seen two converts to Christ. But they were excited about that! Some of our partners have been laboring, in various capacities, for over two decades with very little fruit. I think as Western Christians, we would have been discouraged and perhaps given up years ago because of the seeming lack of return for our labors. But Im so grateful that as a church, IBC, along with our KDP partners, has never given up. The vision is still as fresh and alive today as it was in the beginning. A church in every village, is the dream, and this little handful of K* believers has fueled the re of their/our passion and hope that the dream will one day become reality. The other people who impressed me at the conference were IBC missionaries who were instrumental in the establishment of the KDP 15 years ago. I cannot name them, at their request, for security reasons, but I am convinced that their
Mahatma Gandhi gave the untouchables, the lowest caste level in India, the name children of God.

Chatter | 4

names will resound in the halls of heaven one day. This couple has been working with K* Muslims in East Africa since 1993 slowly, patiently, lovingly building relationships and trust. After seven years with no converts at all, slowly, they too began to see fruit. It was truly inspiring to hear their stories, told with much joy and enthusiasm, of people they dearly love and have led to Christ. It began with a dream, and they are committed to spending the rest of their lives to see their dream develop and grow as more and more K* turn to Christ. My overall impression of India is that it is denitely a study in contrasts, and, as someone has said, an assault on the senses. Everywhere we traveled, we encountered barren landscapes, heaps of garbage and horric poverty, punctuated at unexpected turns, by beautiful buildings (think Taj Mahal!) and more importantly, beautiful people and Im not just talking about their beautiful clothes, which I admit, I have always envied. (By the way, I think American and European designers and buyers need to spend some time in India to nd a way for us to wear their gorgeous fabrics and exquisite handcrafted accessories! But I digress.) The people themselves are beautiful with their humble and generous spirits. We got to visit the schools that IBC has helped to build and sponsor, many of the teachers and administrators working in tiny and crowded classrooms for very little pay (even by India standards). And they are doing a marvelous job! The children were well-fed, clean, happy, and getting a quality education. Andy, Jeff and Brent chased them around in the play-yard, much to the childrens delight. We learned that one way we can help the teachers as well as the students is to sponsor a child through the Dalit Freedom Network (dalitnetwork.org). We also got to travel to Chandigarh to visit the North India Institute of Theological Studies, started by IBC-supported Dr. Sukhwant Bhatia. Making full use of every square inch of space, the school accommodates 60 students, of which approximately half are women. It holds an impressive library, a small chapel, and a very committed and qualied staff of teachers and researchers. One of the projects undertaken by the school is the translation of the whole Bible into Hindi for the very rst time from the original Greek and Hebrew. Crammed into a crowded, windowless room for hours every day are six scholars stationed around as many computers, working tirelessly to coordinate their efforts with others to complete this translation. It is something to behold. Beautiful people with a dream! I know that the rest of my team would agree that our lives have been exponentially enriched by the time we spent in India. When I think of India, and the beautiful people we met there, I am reminded of Proverbs 13:12, Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fullled is a tree of life. What I learned from our fellow Christians there is that when God puts a dream in our hearts, he will fulll it in due time. Our part is to trust him, to work hard, to sacrice, to love people well, and to never give up. Dreams do come true! When Alice McQuitty was a little girl, she used to climb into the bathtub, draw the shower curtain, and pretend to be Queen Alice. Shes still waiting for THAT dream to come true
Alice is married to Andy, IBCs senior pastor. She regularly develops and teaches curriculum for Womens Bible Study at IBC, and is currently pursuing a Masters of Theology (ThM) at Dallas Theological Seminary.

*People group name witheld for security reasons.

Will you consider praying for and supporting the work of the Dalit Freedom Network in K*? For more information contact Debbie Atteberry at datteberry60@gmail.com or visit the DFN kiosk on June 15.

The complete Old and New Testaments of the Bible have been translated into over 1,715 languages, including 55 sign languages.

The Republic of India is made up of 28 states and 7 union territories.

Chatter | 5

Shalom, Dr. Jones

ANDY MCQUITTY Barry, Ive known you for many years, and the quality I

most admire in your approach to ministry is that you are a serious Christian scholar with a compassionate pastors heart. How do you believe God has equipped you specically for this endeavor in this time in your life?

BARRY JONES A big part of how God has equipped me to launch out in this new direction is by being a part of IBCs preaching team and pastoral staff for the last several years. IBC has not only given me an incredible opportunity to grow as a pastor and a communicator, but perhaps more importantly it has implanted in me a very unique ministry DNA that Im passionate about reproducing in a new context. When Kim and I were moving back to the area from Chicago in 2006 for me to take on my new role at Dallas Seminary, we knew without question we were coming back to IBC. We had never been to another place where we resonated so deeply with the vision and the ethos of the church. We were coming home. One day while we were packing for the move she said, Wouldnt it be great if we moved back to Dallas for you to teach at DTS and you got to preach from time to time at IBC? And I thought, Yeah, like that would ever happen. And then, surprisingly, it happened. I look back at some of those early sermons I preached and wonder why you ever invited me back. But you did. IBC gave me a chance to learn and grow in my gifting as a preacher and in my passion for being a pastor. You trusted me with opportunities that were beyond me, but you let me have the chance to grow into them. And I think God was using that, using you, to get me ready to send me out to reproduce something of the beauty of what we have together here at IBC. AM Barry, tell us quickly how it all went down what events over the past

unexpected work in his life and ministry situation that seemed to conrm that this was what God had in store for both of us. But still we wanted to move slowly, to be discerning and to not move forward with anything if we didnt have the full support of our churches. As we began to explore the vision with leaders at both of our churches, they quickly got behind it and became excited about what we want to go and do.

AM Why plant yet another church in Dallas? BJ Thats a great question! Dallas has a lot of great churches. But I believe as long as there are people in a city who are far from God there is a need for new churches. Tim Keller has said, The vigorous, continual planting of new congregations is the single most crucial strategy for 1) the numerical growth of the Body of Christ in any city, and 2) the continual corporate renewal and revival of the existing churches in a city. Nothing else not crusades, outreach programs, para-church ministries, growing mega-churches, congregational consulting, nor church renewal processes will have the consistent impact of dynamic, extensive church planting. This is an eyebrow raising statement. But to those who have done any study at all, it is not even controversial. I believe hes exactly right. The Bible, the history of the church, and the data surrounding contemporary church planting all bear this out.

months led you to this decision?

Were targeting a particular part of Dallas the North Oak Cliff area that has seen a lot of recent development and revitalization, but hasnt necessarily seen a corresponding growth in churches dedicated to reaching that part of the city. Thats what were after.
AM The name of your new church is Trinity Parish. I love that. Whats the

ating with my masters degree from DTS. Kim and I thought very seriously about pursuing church planting straight out of seminary. It was something we were passionate about being a part of but also something we didnt feel adequately prepared for. Ultimately we decided that Id pursue a PhD and an academic ministry, but I never wanted to be an ivory tower theologian. I always wanted to be vitally engaged in the church. The possibility of church planting has come back around several times in the intervening years, but the time and the circumstances just didnt seem right. And now they do. About 18 months ago Kim and I started having serious conversations about venturing out in this direction. At rst we only talked to one another about it and committed to praying about what God would have us do. Eventually I approached a dear friend and former student about the possibility of partnering together in planting a church and discovered that God had been doing some

BJ The story actually goes back about 12 years to around the time I was gradu-

vibe and culture that you and your team hope to establish?

BJ While the term parish is still used in Catholic and Anglican circles, for most evangelicals its something of a foreign concept. Understood in its most basic sense, a parish is a local church with a distinctive emphasis on the word local. A parish is a local church living in and for a place. A parish is a community of people in a specic geographical location taking holistic responsibility for that place and the people who live there. This idea of a church in and for a place is so central to the vision that were pursuing we decided to put it in the name, Trinity Parish.

IBCers have heard me talk a lot about shalom, the dream of God for a world set right. When those of us who are a part of this project talk about the culture we want to create at Trinity Parish, we talk about pursuing the dream of God for the city. We pursue the dream of God as we spread the good news of new
The East Fork and the Elm Fork merge as they enter the city of Dallas, forming the Trinity River.

Chatter | 6

After 7 years at IBC serving on the Teaching Team, Dr. Barry Jones is launching out on a new path of ministry with a Dallas church plant. Pastor Andy chats with Barry about his new direction, the ministry vision that drives him, and his hopes for pursuing the dream of God for the city.
life in Jesus Christ. We pursue the dream of God as we promote the ourishing of our neighbors and neighborhoods. We pursue the dream of God as we live together as Christian communities and thriving families. Thats what we want to be about.
AM Trinity Parish is an exciting church plant of its own right, but theres even BJ The prophet Isaiah once said, How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim shalom Now I dont exactly have the most attractive feet, but all I want to do with the rest of my life is to keep on telling the story of the dream of God for a world set right and of the condence that we can have that one day it will be because of Jesus. So overshalomer is a badge I will proudly continue to wear! AM So, does the beard go with you to Trinity Parish? Dont tell us youll be

more to it than that. We want it to be a church plant that plants churches! Can you tell us about that vision?
BJ Thats right! IBC isnt just sending me out to help start Trinity Parish but to

shaving it.

start the Trinity Parish Leadership Collective. We want to plant a church that can become something of a living lab where we can raise up and send out more church planters around the metroplex, around the country, and even around the world. In my role as a professor I get the chance to mentor some of the best and brightest young leaders around. I want to make the most of that opportunity to pass along the unique ministry DNA that IBC has passed on to me. So well be starting a church planting residency program in ongoing collaboration with IBC. Participants will get the chance to be trained and mentored in the context of a church plant and also receive leadership development from an established church like IBC. So this is really the rst step in a larger vision of IBCs commitment to multiplication.
AM Youll be working with a ministry partner in planting Trinity Parish. Could

BJ Barry Jones without the beard would be like Sampson without his long hair or Andy McQuitty without his mustache. Id be completely powerless without it. Its not going anywhere any time soon.

I really want to say how much I love IBC, how grateful I am to have been given the opportunity to learn and grow here, and how much I love, appreciate and admire you, Andy, for the way you have been my pastor, my mentor and my friend for these last several years. Im so excited for what God has in store for the future in our ongoing collaboration to raise up and send out leaders to bring the good news of Jesus to people who so desperately need to hear it.

you describe how youll be working together as you co-pastor this new church?
BJ I am entering into this with my dear friend Stephen Partrick, a remarkably

Godspeed, Wayne!
After serving two terms on IBCs Elder Board (6 years) and spending many years as a faithful IBCer, Wayne Smith is taking on a new mantle: Executive Pastor at Mission Hills Church in Littleton, Colorado. Professionally, Wayne spent over nine years working for the Leadership Network, where he engaged and supported senior pastors across North America. Now hes becoming a pastor himself. Weve never loved a church more than weve loved IBC, says Wayne. And the greatest honor and privilege of my ministry life has been being an elder at IBC. Wayne and Debbie, we thank you for the legacy of faithfulness and wisdom you have left us. You will be missed.

gifted leader that I mentored for 3 years during his time as a student at Dallas Theological Seminary. He currently ministers to college students at Park Cities Baptist Church. Ill continue to serve full-time as a member of the faculty at DTS and will primarily contribute to the church plant in the areas of vision and teaching. Stephen will be the on-the-ground full-time parish pastor in North Oak Cliff. Well share peaching responsibilities. Hell take more of the lead in the day-to-day responsibilities of the church and Ill take the lead role in the ongoing church planting initiatives. Both IBC and Park Cities Baptist are sending us out to plant, supporting us nancially as we get started, and partnering with us in the ongoing efforts to raise up and send out church planters. So its really exciting to see two very different established churches collaborating together to make new things happen in their city and beyond. And both churches will be able to celebrate what God does in and through Trinity Parish and the Leadership Collective.
AM Will you say the word Shalom as often at Trinity Parish as you have at

IBC? (We hope so!)

Another bearded Barry you might know: Barry Gibb.

Were Barry Jones ever to shave off his beard, underneath he would nd another beard.

Chatter | 7

Prepare
Amazed
to Be
Surprises abound on a recent trip to My Refuge House

BE PREPARED! That was my mantra while getting ready for my trip to the Philippines to visit My Refuge House where a team from IBC and myself would be dedicating the home that IBC built for girls who had been rescued from human trafficking. Since 2009, My Refuge House has been providing shelter, clothing, education, legal services and counseling to girls who have been victimized by the commercial sex industry. I was excited to visit, but my checklist was long: Got the required shots? (Check.) Packed clothes for a warm climate in the middle of sub-freezing January temperatures in Irving? (Check.) Put instructions/schedules on the fridge for my husband, mother-in-law, and three kids? (Check.) Bought a can of Off in anticipation of the mosquitoes I had been warned about? (Check.) I was so very prepared. Or so I thought.

Tricycle (motorcycle with a side car) and nally a Jeepney (colorful long jeep), we arrived at our long-anticipated destination. It was a different world, blocking out all of the chaos of the street. The property was beautiful. There was space for volleyball, running and even sitting under a tree with a friend. At the top of the property sat a welcoming home that housed girls who had come to live there; a place that provided for their education, therapy, meals, gatherings, and office space. As we entered the front door of the home, we were greeted by 12 beautiful smiles. There was some difficulty in our communicating, but we quickly became fast friends. There was conversation about where we were from, the music we listened to, funny English terms, the food we loved, etc.; our conversation could have gone on for hours. I was struck by the girls laughter; they giggled like little girls. They were alive with possibility. Because these girls were bought and sold for sex, they have heartbreaking stories. There have been things done to them that are unimaginable, but when I looked into their eyes, I saw lives that were being changed. Take Hope, who endured physical and sexual abuse from the age of four years old. When her family fell on hard times, Hopes stepfather began trafficking her to his European contacts, threatening her with beatings if she resisted. After two years, she was rescued by law enforcement but was unable to make progress in the government shelter due to her Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. When she came to My Refuge House one year after being rescued, she began the healing process with MRHs counseling programs and even started excelling in the academic program. Right now shes pursuing a legal case against her parents.
Funny English Term #1: Lugubrious.

We arrived in Cebu, ready to go thanks to a rush of adrenaline that overcame the effects of 23 hours of traveling. But it did not take me long to discover that I wasnt quite as prepared as I thought I was. Three things surprised me. My rst surprise came after I liberally sprayed my body with multiple layers of Off; all except one vital area, that is. I soon became painfully aware that I had overlooked an important body part: my derriere, which had been attacked by an entire eet of those dreaded mosquitoes. The next surprise occurred when I decided to take a shower. What? A cold-water faucet with a bowl and a small cup? That was my shower? The third surprise was very different from the other two; it was profound and life-changing: I found joy, love, and healing in the midst of brokenness, despair, and tragedy. The day had nally arrived and we began to make our way to the undisclosed location of My Refuge House. It was quite a journey. We began with a trek down a narrow dirt road, consisting mostly of deep mud holes. After catching a
Every year, about 2 million children worldwide are exploited in the commercial sex trade. (childrensrights.org)

Chatter | 8

Left: Kim sharing laughs with the girls at My Refuge House. The Rest: The newly built facility at My Refuge House. With the help of IBC, MRH will build another cottage to house victims of trafcking.

Then theres Jacky, who narrowly escaped the terrifying reality of trafficking when law enforcement intervened in the nick of time. A poor girl from a big family in desperate poverty, Jacky dropped out of school in the third grade to help support her brothers and sisters. A woman came offering Jacky a job at an Internet caf in Manila that promised good pay and even an up-front bonus. Thinking the bonus could be used in the short-term to provide for her siblings school, Jacky accepted the job. As she and some other girls were about to leave Cebu, policemen began questioning them and quickly determined they were in-process of being trafficked. Its been two years now that Jacky has lived at My Refuge House, and in that time she has grown close in her relationship with God and is about to begin her high school studies. The similarity between Hope and Jacky and all the other girls I met at My Refuge House was courage courage to speak, courage to grow and change, courage to depend on their Savior. These girls were blooming, becoming who God intended them to be. Irving Bible Church, you help these girls to have courage. You help them to speak up, to grow, to change; but most of all, to depend on Jesus. Because of your generosity towards building a cottage that will be a home to another 6-8 girls, you are enabling these and future children to become everything God has intended. Please know this does not go unnoticed by these precious young women. I received thank yous from every single one of them. Every time I turned around, there was a thank you. In fact, one of the girls gave me her only hair tie and her only headband. She gave me the only things she had in order to thank me. Im still in disbelief. I also saw amazement on their part. Amazement that we
Funny English Term #2: Hoodwinked.

would come half way around the world just for them. Amazement that our church would give so much to help in their journey. This kind of generosity is foreign to their experience. Irving Bible Church, your generosity was not lost on these girls. Thank you for representing Christ. So now the question is: how can I be even better prepared for my next visit? (And there will denitely be a next visit.) First of all, I can start by purchasing a super-sized can of Off and remember to apply it to my entire body. I can pack extra deodorant so that I dont have to shower so often. And I can look forward with great anticipation to another amazing and blessed visit with the precious young girls at My Refuge House. Kim Jones is very interesting but has a hard time comingup with Chatter by-lines.
Kim is married to Barry and has three children, Will, Pierson and Kathleen. She recently became the Director of Engagment for My Refuge House where she coresponds with partners and churches, and coordinates events and speaking engagements.

Its a beautiful thing to help restore and renew the broken places in the lives of people. Will you consider praying for and supporting the work of My Refuge House? For more information about getting involved or learning more about this ministry, check out myrefugehouse.org or contact Kim Jones at kim@myrefugehouse.org.

Since its founding in 2009, My Refuge House has cared for over 40 girls rescued from the sex trade.

Chatter | 9

THE

Compromise
The art of sharing power in an adoptive/foster home

POWER OF
The insight that helped us grasp this approach was actually something that Dr. Karyn Purvis said: If you as a parent share power with your children, you have proven that its your power to share. This helped me understand that I get to decide when and how much power to share when I offer my kids a compromise. And offering compromises doesnt mean that I lose control or give my kids all of the control. It means that I teach them how to share power and control appropriately, and by doing so, I teach them an essential skill for healthy relationships. Learning compromises takes practice for both kids and parents. As they learn this skill, its important to praise your kids when they ask for a compromise correctly (even if you have to prompt them). Still, the risk remains that your child might not hold up his end of the deal. So, as you start using compromises, its important to remind your kids that if they dont hold up their end of the compromise, then you wont be able to offer as many compromises in the future. Contrary to what I thought would happen, my kids have always held up their end of the compromise. As a result, we have had far fewer control battles. By using compromises, our kids have learned that they have a voice. They know that I cant always give them or agree to a compromise, but they also know that I will as often as I can. And the funny thing is that they now are able to accept no much better than in the past. Remember, compromising is not about allowing our kids to argue or debate with us, nor is it about losing our control or giving them all of the control. It is about sharing power our power. Compromises give our kids a voice and allow them to respectfully ask for what they want and need. And compromises give us as parents the opportunity to teach our kids an important way of relating that builds trust and connection.

hen people hear our kids ask, May I have a compromise? they tend to look at us a bit funny. They seem completely confused when we respond to our kids as if their request for a compromise is normal. But at our house it is normal. In fact, its a request we hear no less than a dozen times each day. We began teaching our kids to ask for compromises when our now veyear-old daughter was only two. We gured that she was old enough to have a conversation with us, so she was old enough to begin learning how to compromise. One thing weve noticed over the years among kids who are adopted or are in foster care is that they tend to have control issues sometimes really BIG control issues. Many kids (and parents) struggle with control issues, but this is especially true for adopted and foster kids that come from homes or situations where most, if not all, of their world was out of control. Sometimes these kids had to raise younger siblings, or had to fend for themselves to nd their next meal. Sometimes these kids had to use control and manipulation to stay safe, both physically and emotionally. And some of these kids resorted to control as an attempt to mask their lack of trust and feed their desire to avoid being hurt, neglected, or abandoned ever again. Control is often an all or nothing proposition for these kids, so when they come into our homes they arent willing to easily give up the control theyve worked so hard to get. In our home, weve decided we are going to help our kids deal with their control issues not by taking control away from them, but by sharing control with them. Share control with our kids? Sounds crazy. After all, we are the parents so we need to show our kids that we are in control, right? The thinking goes that the kids need to respect our authority or everything will devolve into chaos. We followed this way of thinking for a while, but showing our kids that we were in control was NOT working. As we tried to suddenly take all the control away from them, what we got in return were power struggles and the very chaos we were trying to avoid. What worked, however, was a very simple solution: compromise.

Kayla North was once attacked by a lion on a trip to South Africa. (It was a baby lion in a lion preserve, but still.)
Kayla and her husband Ryan have opened their home to close to 30 foster children. They serve as part of the leadership team of Tapestry and write about the blessings and challenges of their parenting journey at www.onebighappyhome.com.

Chatter | 10

We can only really give in a loving way to the degree that we are receiving similar love and understanding (Marshall B. Rosenberg, author of Raising Children Compassionately).

Heres how a compromise works at our house:

Me Son
Son, please go clean your room. (While playing a videogame) Sure mom. May I have a compromise? Whats your compromise? May I nish this level on my game and then go do it?

Community and Resources for Foster and Adoptive Families

Tapestry

Since this is an acceptable middle ground, I will typically say sure and let him nish the level before going to clean his room. Of course this is an ideal conversation. Often times it goes more like this:

If you or someone you know is adopting, fostering, or even just considering adoption/foster care, IBC offers several classes, support groups and resources to help along the way: Fostering Hope: A support group for those involved with foster care. This group meets on the second Sunday night of each month from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Training Room. Waiting Families Group: For many reasons, the waiting process can be a real challenge but it is easier to wait well with others who understand and are also traveling the adoption and foster care journey. These groups meet once a month to encourage, support and pray for one another. Older Child Adoption Groups: Tapestry has two small groups for those who are connected to older child adoption. One group is for parents who have adopted (or are considering adopting) an older child (preschool age and older). The other group is for jr. high and high school students who were adopted, are in foster care or have an adopted or foster sibling. Tapestry Womens Events: Tapestry Womens Events are designed for all women moms, moms-to-be, and anyone else interested in adoption and foster-related topics. These events are held quarterly and are a great opportunity to connect and nd encouragement as well as helpful insights and resources. For details on these and many other Tapestry resources, visit tapestryministry.org.

Son, please go get your room cleaned up. (While playing a video game) Ugh!! Cant I just nish this level rst? Whoa! I dont like that tone. Are you asking for a compromise? Im listening. Yes. May I have a compromise?

Whats your compromise?

May I nish this level on my game and then go do it? Sure! Thats a good job asking for a compromise!
Learning compromises takes practice for both kids and parents.

On any given day, there are about 397,000 children in a foster home in the United States (equalitynow.org).

Chatter | 11

THE NIV

GODS WORD FOR GARDENERS

BIBLE

THINGS ARE COMING UP ROSES FOR IBC AUTHOR SHELLEY CRAMM.

The staff was encouraging as well. They let me transplant from our home, busy with kids on summer vacation, to an extra desk in the serene church offices. My laptop, stack of gardening books, and bubble gumchomping habit were all welcomed graciously. This is all in addition to encouraging words and positive assurances and PRAYERS. So I hope IBCers consider this work of the Lord their own; it grew up on their soil (and so did I)!

CHAT What do you want for your readers?

ni-moment, similar to what Mary Magdalene experienced when she encountered the risen Jesus (John 20:15) after mistaking him for a gardener. I want people to realize that what they love about gardening is really a who that Jesus presence has been with them the whole time. I want people to become happily connected with their Savior! I also hope they learn how to put Gods words into practice in their daily lives (Luke 6:47), and grow in their trust of Gods Word by seeing for themselves the signs of God (Luke 21:30) in their own gardens and gardening work. And through it all, I pray that the delight they have for gardening becomes the delight they nd in Gods Word (Psalm 1:2). For more about Shelley and The NIV Gods Word for Gardeners Bible, visit gardenindelight.com.

SC That they will have their Rabbo-

SHELLEY CRAMM IS A BUSY MOM OF FIVE

and a speaker, blogger and avid gardener with a passion for cultivating a love for God in others through the metaphors of planting and growing. Zondervan recently released Shelleys The NIV Gods Word for Gardeners Bible, a devotional Bible for gardeners that features daily essays on a range of garden themes, as well as quotations from garden writing across the history and how to of gardening. Chatter caught up with Shelley on how it all came together.

CHATTER Shelley, tell us a little about what inspired your Bible. Er, your essays
WITHIN the Bible.

SHELLEY CRAMM A series of events came together which led me to apply the spiritual lessons of tending and keeping plants to the challenging life circumstances I was enduring at the time. At a wine tasting evening with my husband, I learned that the deeper the roots of the grapevine had to stretch to nd water, the sweeter the grape. Around the same time, I read in a gardening magazine about the necessity of pruning roses not to hesitate, but to prune drastically for better health and bloom. I applied these metaphors to the troubles I was facing, trusting that as I stretched through them and endured drastic pruning, I would come out sweeter, healthier and blooming. What a promise! The spiritual overtones of these facts captivated me; these concepts gave me a way to cope with my circumstances and hope in the future.
Not long after, I read Secrets of the Vine, by Dr. Bruce Wilkinson, a small yet powerful book exploring John 15 from the viewpoint of a real-life vineyard owner. His lessons were beautiful to me. I was eager to search Gods Word for even more gardening metaphors and, when the time presented itself, I proposed the idea to Zondervan Publishers. They had published The Leadership Bible, a themed study I had read during this time on leadership ideals. Why not search the Scripture for the themes of gardening everything a gardener does, from choosing her plants to watering them (and, of course, pruning)?

FLOURISH
A CELEBRATION OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH

God is growing and cultivating beautiful things in the hearts and lives of the women at IBC. Join us as we celebrate Gods care for our spiritual growth and the release of The NIV Gods Word for Gardeners Bible, written by IBCer Shelley Cramm.

CHAT How was the IBC family encouraging during the writing process?
met to discuss the idea and its possibilities. I would have laughed myself out of his office, but he was encouraging in every way. I thought of the project as more of an anthology of sermons and writings on the Scriptures with plant and garden references, yet he told me I should write the devotionals myself. I was so impressed by his personal concern; not that I didnt think he cared about me, but I thought he would want to focus on the content. Instead he wanted to see me stay the course. It seems to me that is the epitome of a pastor.

tuesday, may 6, 7-8:30 p.m. the commons at ibc this is a free event. for more information, visit irvingbible.org/women.

SC Pastor Andy was the rst person with whom my husband, Topher, and I

Chatter | 12

The tallest sunower ever recorded grew to 7.76 meters (25.45 feet) high.

hile some people may nd the idea of working with kids intimidating, John Walker and JoAnn Blaylock have embraced the challenges and rewards that come from serving and loving our children. JoAnn, a leasing agent and mother of three, rst started attending IBC a few years ago with her husband Mikel. John is a CFO for a Dallas business and is father to two grown children. John and JoAnn agree that serving on Sunday is well worth the time spent.

Jo

hn

Wa l k e r

Serving children can be challenging at times but John has a strategy. You just need to keep them busy, he says. Boys are easily distracted at this age but are also great at multi-tasking. John uses word searches to keep the boys occupied from the minute they walk in the room. He also gets creative with the lessons. On one recent Sunday, the lesson was about the Prodigal Son (Luke 15). While prodigal is not a common word, especially for fth grade boys, John made the story relevant when he asked if anyone had a brother, and then began talking about sibling relationships and jealousy. Finding common ground helps John relate to the boys and open up. You dont have to be a Bible scholar to teach kids, John adds. The Zone team provides us with great support and materials.

ships and relationships grow between the girls has been amazing, JoAnn says, not to mention their increased self-condence. JoAnn highly recommends the experience. Even though the commitment is signicant, JoAnn explains that you are not serving on an island. There is a great support staff; you get lessons well in advance, and there is always help available if you need it. Why does she do it? Even when Im tired or having a bad day, coming to be with these girls on Sunday is truly the most fullling part of my week. Think it might be time to nd your spot serving kids at IBC? Visit one of the Town Square kiosks this month to learn more about the best way to get plugged in, or visit irvingbible.org/ndyourspot.

JoAnn Bla

ylo

Its a great conversation starter, John says about the lanyard. Kids love buttons and they will always ask about them. And its just one of the many tools John uses to get his students to open up. John began his journey in the Zone about four years ago with a group of rambunctious second grade boys. Today, he is still with some of those boys who are now in fth grade. As my own kids got older, I missed being involved with younger kids, John explains. It was also a great way to get my own son, who was in high school, connected and involved at church. He is in college now, but the experience he gained and the time we got to spend together serving was very rewarding.

John admits that serving every week is a big commitment but one that has many rewards. Preparing for the lessons each week has the added benet of keeping me in the Word. But the greatest joy is having the opportunity to develop relationships and really get to know the boys on a personal level. John highly recommends nding your spot serving kids. Find an age you are most comfortable with and volunteer to serve. You dont need all the answers or previous experience working with kids. And the rewards will far outweigh the challenges. JoAnn agrees with John and also admits the biggest obstacle to serving is the commitment to be there every week. One way JoAnn addresses this issue is by having a partner to share responsibilities. Christi Carey and I serve together, so when Im traveling for work or have to miss a Sunday, I know the girls are in good hands. JoAnn began her journey about three years ago. My daughter is very shy and felt hesitant about starting in a class and wouldnt go by herself, which prompted me to get involved. Like John, JoAnn has been with some of the same girls for the past three years. Watching the friend-

ck

According to BuzzFeed quizzes, Peggy Nortons personality is a combination of Charlie Brown, Sleeping Beauty, and Esther from the Old Testament.
Peggy is a communications professional at a global security company. She is also an IBC Small Group Leader.

OHN wears his Children at IBC lanyard like a badge of honor, complete with the buttons he earned while volunteering at Camp Kid Jam.

Most people think that serving children means leading a class every Sunday. But there are opportunities to serve all through the week, not only with kids but also as part of the support staff for our programs. Regardless of the demands on your schedule, theres a way you can make a difference that will last for generations. Join us! Visit irvingbible.org/ndyourspot. Questions? Contact Cammie at cbell@irvingbible.org.

THIS MONTH
BIBLE COMMUNITIES
Groups on Sunday
Theres always something new going on in Bible Communities! Heres a taste of whats happening this month:
Synergy 9 a.m. 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 teaching topics that facilitate group discussion. The goal: deepening relationships within our community and individually with Christ. Journey 10:45 a.m. The Alcove All Welcome Join us in May as we study the names of God, how he has revealed his character, shows his love, and meets our needs. 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 as we study The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson. We will learn about the prayers we pray, our hearts desires, and our greatest fears. Legacy Builders 6:45 p.m. West A All Welcome Join us for fellowship, prayer, and in-depth Bible teaching.

CHILDREN

Infants Through 5th Grade

Middle School Open House May 18, 10:30 a.m. If you have a student going into 6th grade we invite you to join us for an open house. VBS: Weird Animals June 1619 Registration for VBS 2014 is now open. $20 per child through May 31. Visit irvingbible.org/vbs for more info. See ad, pg. 17. MyZone Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Zone A mid-week event for kids thats great for bringing friends. K-5 grade. Contact nlee@itrvingbible.org.

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 Monday nights, 6:30 p.m. West B For those who have mental illness. Contact Pam at pamburtis@verizon.net. Family Grace Group Monday nights, 6:30 p.m. West A For family members, friends, and caregivers who support individuals with serious mental disorders. Contact Buzz Moody at myrabuzz@gmail.com. NAMI Family-to-Family Class Mondays, 6:30-9:30 p.m. West C/D 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 listening ear and a caring presence for IBCers going through emotionally difficult times such as the loss of a loved one, loss of a job, illness, injury, divorce or other life events. If you or someone you know could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister contact stephenministry@ irvingbible.org.

MISSION

Local and Global

Prayer Meeting 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 6:45-8 p.m. The Chapel Join us as we pray for IBC, the needs of our people and the world. Laundry Love first Saturday of the month, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Located at Amigo Laundromat, 3349 Country Club Dr. in Irving (just down from Sam Houston Middle School). Please join us as we provide free laundry cycles and detergent, strike up conversations and build relationships. For more info visit llpirving.org or contact info@llpirving.org.

Visit irvingbible.org/children

PARENTING

Events and Resources

Shop Talk May 18, 7 p.m. The Commons Join us for our next Shop Talk as we talk about "The Tightrope Called Transitions." All parents encounter transitions; we will look at how we can maneuver them with grace and love, while modeling confidence for our kids.

FAITH AND BELIEF

Events and Resources
Baptism July 13 Mandatory class for all ages on May 18, 12:30-2 p.m. in West C. A light lunch will be provided. Please visit irvingbible.org/baptism to register. Contact Donna OReilly at doreilly@ irvingbible.org. See ad, pg. 17.

Visit irvingbible.org/parenting.

HOPE & HEALING

Community Care

MEN

Community and Resources

Abortion Recovery Counseling One-on-one, confidential counseling for those living with the aftermath 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 confidential and all are welcome. Visit irvingbible.org/recovery for more info. 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. First Watch Fridays, 6:22 a.m. The Commons Join the men of First Watch as they study the life of David. What do scriptures tell us about his character? How does that apply to our character? More importantly, what do we learn about God's character? 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.

SINGLE PARENTS

Community and Resources

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

Visit irvingbible.org/singleparents.

SPECIAL NEEDS

Community and Resources

In His Image Bible Study Wednesdays, 6:30-7:45 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.

Visit irvingbible.org/men.

Please visit page 18 for more Sunday Bible Communities.

Contact specialneeds@irvingbible.org.

Chatter | 14

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 Open House May 18, 10:30 a.m. If you have a student going into 6th grade we invite you to join us for an open house. Middle School Beach Camp July 14-18 Register today at irvingbible.org/ middleschool. High School Sundays Life Groups Student Ministry area, 6:45-8 p.m. High School Wednesdays SWAG 7:15-8:30 p.m. The Alcove High School Beach Camp July 10-14 Register today at irvingbible.org/ highschool. Teen Recovery Monday Nights, 6-7:30 p.m. Zone Jr. Teen Recovery is a safe and confidential environment where middle and high school students can identify and share their pain and struggles. Contact Trey at tgrant@ irvingbible.org. IBC College Ministry Sundays at 3:30 p.m. The Commons Annex

WOMEN

Community and Resources

Flourish: A Celebration of Spiritual Growth May 6 Join us on May 6 when we will be telling the story of what God is cultivating among the women at IBC. See ad, pg. 4. Square One Starts June 5 A class for first time moms. For more info see ad, pg. 16.

FREE Citizenship Class Wednesdays, 6:308 p.m. IBC For those at least 18 years old who have been issued a Permanent Resident Card. Well guide you through the N-400 paperwork and prepare you for the main components of the new citizenship test. Contact Michael 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 irvingbible.org/women.

YOUNG ADULTS
20s and Early 30s
Family Dinner May 29, 7 p.m. See ad, pg. 16. The Gathering Thursdays, 7 p.m. The Commons Join us for our current series, Rebuild Renew Restore, a study exploring the practical ways we can reconnect with God in our lives. 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 2435kinwest.org.

MISCELLANEOUS
A Little Bit of Everything
Writers Workshop Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m. Commons Annex Join a community of people honing their writing skills. The group is led by published author Betty Grozinger. Everyone is welcome, and no writing experience necessary. Contact Donna at doreilly@ irvingbible.org.

Visit irvingbible.org/youngadults.

2435 KINWEST

Wednesday Nights at IBC

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, beginner or pro. Everyone is welcome and you can join at any time! No auditions necessary. Contact Crystal at celwell@irvingbible.org. 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 development and understanding of worship. Contact Crystal Elwell at celwell@ irvingbible.org. ESL: English as a Second Language Wednesdays, 6:308:30 p.m. AZ17, 18 and 19 Do you want to learn English? Improve your English? Come practice all four skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. For more info, contact Corey at 2435esl@irvingbible.org.

For latest info on times and locations of college events, join the Facebook group: College at IBC. Contact mconnor@irvingbible.org.

TAPESTRY

Community and Resources

Waiting Families Group May 3, 7 p.m. A group for anyone in the adoption or foster care waiting process, as well as for those who are thinking about adoption or foster care.

If you have not attended a support group previously, or have questions, please email tapestry@irvingbible.org.

Chatter | 15

T H I S S U M M E R AT WO M E N S B I B L E S T U DY. . .

Discerning the Voice of God

by Priscilla Shirer

YOUNG ADULT FAMILY DINNER

MAY 29, 7 P.M.
Join us May 30 as we close out the spring semester of The Gathering by eating great food with great company. We look forward to seeing you there! For location info or to RSVP, contact Chris at cspaulding@irvingbible.org.

How to Recognize When God Speaks

As Christians we are called to love God wholeheartedly and to obey his Word, but sometimes its difficult 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 registration is also available and closes on May 28 at noon. Cost is $10 per child.

What if Im not doing this right? What if they dont stop crying? Will I ever sleep again?

Remember all the questions you asked when you got home with your rst baby?

If you or a woman you know is a brand-new, rst-time mom, Square One is a great opportunity to connect with other moms and nd encouragement, support, and a little help for those difficult questions along the way. When: Thursdays, June 5 July 17 (6 weeks; not meeting 6/19 due to VBS) Time: 10 a.m.12 p.m. Where: Comfort Zone 4, Irving Bible Church Who: For rst-time moms with a baby 6 months old or younger Cost: Free

To register, please email squareone@irvingbible.org. Questions? Contact Angie at squareone@irvingbible.org.

Shop Talk is a highly interactive gathering for parents of kids of all ages. Topics include core principles of parenting as well as practical discussion on issues parents face every day.

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR FAITH?

Baptism is an outward symbol of an inward change, signifying Jesus saving work done on our behalf. As we go down into and come out of the water, we identify with Christ death and resurrection. If you have never taken this important step of faith, we would love for you to join us on July 13. Class: Baptism Orientation is May 18 in West C, 12:30-2 p.m. A light lunch will be served. Baptism storytelling/lming: June 15 at 12:30 p.m. in the Alcove for students and adults; 5 p.m. for children. Register online at irvingbible.org/baptism.

ShopTalk: The Tightrope of Transitions

If transitions are a natural part of raising kids, why are they often so stressful? Whether your child is moving into kindergarten, middle school, high school, college (or even back home), transitions challenge all of us. The real question is how to maneuver them with grace while modeling condence for our kids in the midst of uncertainty. May 18, 6:458 p.m. in The Commons Register for KidZone at irvingbible.org/parenting. Contact Mary Ann at mconnor@irvingbible.org.
Brought to you by:

VBS 2014 Weird enough to volunteer? Cool. We have a place for you. (Arent able to take time off during the week? Prefer a kid-free zone? No problem.) Leadership (requires strategic planning, higher time commitment, more interaction with volunteers than kids) Roles to ll: 15 Crew Leader (camp counselor-types, responsible for a group of 5 children the week of VBS) Roles to ll: 100 June 16-19 at Irving Bible Church Station Leader (leads larger groups of kids along with their crew leaders in activities like science experiments, games, making snacks, telling Bible stories, etc) Roles to ll: 50 Preschool (nursery leaders, crew leaders, and station leaders specically for kids 0-4 years old) Roles to ll: 40 Behind the scenes (roles with minimal interaction with children) Roles to ll:15 After-hours (roles not requiring participation during weekday business hours) Roles to ll: 30 Contact mparlett@irvingbible.org.

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.

SUNDAY SCHEDULE
First Worship Service: 9 a.m.
Childrens Classes (all ages) Synergy (40s & 50s), the Alcove The Tree (young marrieds and families), West D

HOW DO I GIVE?
My Time, Talents & Skills
Supplies for Success Volunteers We need 45 volunteers to work in teams of three throughout the day of August 16 at our annual Supplies for Success event with the City of Irving. You can volunteer from 8-10:30 a.m. or 10 a.m.-12:20 p.m. Deadline for volunteering is June 1. Contact Tricia at tkinsman-ash@irvingbible.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 encourage them as they walk through the difculties of generational 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 newfriendsnewlife@irvingbible.org. 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. 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. With Prom coming up, students are in need of nearly-new evening dress shoes, purses and jewelry; plus nearly-new dress shoes and socks for boys, and new panties, bras, socks and shoes. Contact Sharon at themainplace@irvingbible.org.

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)

My Resources
Laptops for My Refuge House Want to tangibly help victims of sex trafcking? Donate your used, but operational, laptop to the mission department. They will be sent to the girls at My Refuge House 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 ministries of Irving Bible Church online, visit irvingbible.org/give.

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

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

SUNDAY COMMUNITY MEALS

Join us in the Town Square for our community meal on Sundays at 6 p.m. Meals are $3 per person or $10 max./family. 5/4 Chicken tenders, potatoes, awesome salad bar.

5/11 NO MEAL. Happy Mothers Day! 5/18 All American burgers, brats, salad bar. 5/25 NO MEAL. Happy Memorial Day! If youd like to serve on a Sunday night meal team, contact Pat OReilly at (214) 289-6176 or sundaynightmeal@irvingbible.org.

Interested in learning more about IBCs budget for 2014 or other nancial nuts and bolts? Visit irvingbible.org/budget.

WEDNESDAY MIDWEEK MEALS

Each Wednesday night from 5-6:20 p.m., IBC prepares dinner for anyone wanting a good, hot meal. PB&J sandwiches are also available. Cost is $3/meal or $10 max/family. Just come by The Commons and grab a plate! 5/7 Lasagna, hot breadsticks, salad, dessert. Hosted by Karen Rail and Bob Downeys team.

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

Were so glad youre here. Sometimes its hard to know where to begin, but we want to make the process of connecting and feeling at home as easy as possible. Here are some ways to start. The Information Center is a great place to get your questions answered, nd help and encouragement for your personal journey, or just have a cup of coffee and settle in. Our team of volunteers would be happy to help you, and our goal is to make you feel at home. The Information Center is open every Sunday after all three worship services. The Newcomer Gathering is an informal get-together for those new to IBC and/or those wanting to learn more about who we are, what we believe and how to get plugged in. Meet other newcomers, ministry leaders and elders. Cant seem to 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.

Information Center
irvingbible.org/connect

5/14 Chopped BBQ sandwiches, baked beans, cole slaw, pickle spears, dessert. Hosted by Marlene Brittons team. 5/21 Ham, scalloped potatoes, mixed veggies, salad, rolls, dessert. Hosted by Pat Downeys team. 5/28 Enchiladas, tacos, refried beans, chips with salsa and queso, fresh baked cookies. Hosted by Barbara Wittes 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.

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

Ready to get plugged in?

irvingbible.org/connect

Propel

THE MOSAIC CAF (THE MO)

Caf Hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 8 a.m.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

Connect with others on the journey.

irvingbible.org/smallgroups

Small Groups

Chatter | 18

In 1979, underground Australian Christian rock band Alpha Cristo / Deo Corum managed to quietly sneak a toe-tapper-cum-brain-puzzler of a ditty onto the secular radio charts including the Billboard AOR (Antichrist-Oriented Rock) rankings that encapsulated, satirized and mildly sanitized the descent of popular culture into the nether regions of nefarious moral ambiguity. Originally titled The Excitable Mr. Luthers Extravagant Path-taking to Perdition (remember, it was the era of prog rock), we know the song today as simply, Highway to Hell.

Loading Up the Handbasket

victory of adequately riding the pine. Its gumption. Sorry, Gumption. The Continued Existence of Regular Capn Crunch If there was ever a subtle sign of the fallen universe in which we live, regular Capn Crunch is it. I know people who eat Peanut Butter Capn Crunch. I know people who lean a bit hippie that eat the Crunch Berries variety. But regular? Not even a 40-something suburban seller of $80 Norwex facial tissues hopped up on quinoa will go near it. And do you know what the Capns real name is? I dont either, but Im going with Aleister. The good Capn Crowley undoubtedly sold his T-A-I for everlasting shelf life. Seles, Both in Word and Deed Not all self-portraits are evil. But the fact that 98.3% of Instagram photos are of unfortunately tanned social climbers looking like constipated waterfowl may indicate a creeping narcissism amongst the masses. And the word sele is just puerile. Disagree? Come at me, bro. My logic will hit you hard. As will my Taser. Maroon 5 Dude, cmon. The Belief That People Who are Spiritual, But Not Religious are, Indeed, Spiritual. Spiritual, but not religious is a valid selection on most online dating sites that arent founded by Dr. Neil Clark Bar Warren. Well nice try, Potsie (from the Mayan they got around linguistically, didnt they for Oprah), but only your fellow self-absorbed quinoa enthusiasts believe it. Unfortunately, the ranks of such maharishis of navel gazing have swollen faster than a soaking bowl of steel-cut oats. And now were left with millions of people who sincerely believe that their search for fulllment lies within the self and not within the Savior. Theyve even colonized their own city and given it a quasi-religious name: San Francisco (literally, Saint Sourdough). On the plus side, they gave the world Rice-A-Roni. Do any of the above rise to the level of wars and rumors of wars? Maybe not. But each indicates a fraying of our collective moral ber that may never be repaired. And I suspect at this point the Lord will not break out the Iron-On Patch of Providential Postponement any time soon. To which I can only say, come, Lord Jesus, come and blot out The Yoga Panted Quinoa Toker Who Moves Like Jagger. Amen. Jason Fox prefers jeans of the relaxed t variety.
Jason writes from Omaha, Nebraska, for reasons that neither the Lord nor Lori at Tyndale know why.

Truly, what a prescient song it was. For as the proceeding decades rolled forth in a stronger and stronger tidal wave of turpitude and derpitude, those of us standing along the shoulders of Route 666 dodging spiritual detritus and crying like a 1970s pollution-hating indigenous person could tell where this road frequently travelled was headed. Straight to Run-On Sentence Land (secondworst theme park ever). Also, Bobby Beelzebubs House of Pain. While many of us have stepped into the breach (from the Latin meaning poo) in defense of truth, justice and Jehovahs way, its been nigh impossible to stop a horde of moral relativists who believe truth lies within each individual except when it comes to the truth of God which is, obviously, wrong (among other internet troll-worthy invectives). Of course, the more monumental moral failures of post-modern modernity have been well documented in the annals of todays Christian journalistic endeavors, including The Daily Harumpher, Grandma Mimis Monthly Moralizer, and CosmoGirl. Whats equally sad, yet hopefully much more humorous, are the myriad small ways in which biblical virtues have been removed from the public space and replaced with copious amount of breach. Do you sense some examples coming on? Well, quit dabbling in the occult, Kreskin, and get at it: Quinoa The word quinoa comes from the Mayan phrase meaning grain of Satan. As a member of the goosefoot family of plants, quinoa may also be considered a weed. And once youve accepted eating a weed as part of this nutritious breakfast including orange juice, milk, berries, toast and a CoQ10 supplement, moving on to the weed we commonly refer to as weed is little more than a trip to the curiously busy dry cleaners away. Yes, quinoa is a gateway weed for the yoga pants set. Speaking of which Yoga Pants as Appropriate Mall Wear Theyre stretchy. Theyre ooshy, cooshy and comfortable. Theyre like youre not wearing pants at all. Exactly. Now step away from the Lululemon and put on a pair of dungarees. Your soul will thank you. As will your children. And your wife. Participation Trophies As a father of three, I fully understand the need to nurture a positive self-image within each of my individual spawnlings. I also fully understand that part of this process includes, from time to time (that is, 6:30 to 7 p.m. nightly), completely, utterly and mercilessly crushing them in a spirited go-around of blindfolded dodgeball. If they can learn to rise up from such Nerf- and Koosh-based beatdowns to eventually defeat daddy at his own game (as if ), they will be parsecs ahead of the Generation Whine offspring weaned on everyones a winner Certicates of Existence and other echoes of social(ized) tomfoolery. Learning to lose is key to learning what it takes to win. And it aint plasticized marble statuettes acknowledging the suspect moral

The IOC briey considered adding blindfolded dodgeball to the XXXI Olympiad, opting instead for unsynchronized diving.

WarrenPotsie Weber is a ctional character from the sitcom Happy Days. He was played by Anson Williams.

Chatter | 19

Chatter loves the Royals! Here hes visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, Scottland, with Darren and Corina Heizer. Apparently, Her Majesty, The Queen, summers here.

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.