DECEMBER 2010

Chatter
Along with a lovely cough Ive developed over the past few weeks, Im working on overcoming a bad case of the shoulds. It seems like a typical Christmas problem to have. I should have made (and stuck with) a budget for Christmas presents, I shouldnt have eaten that third piece of pie at Thanksgiving, I should have bought the bigger Christmas tree like so-and-sos and I should have called my family more throughout the year to avoid giving the awkward generic gift. As I was telling all my Christmas shoulds to my only sister the other night, I was quickly reminded, all too well, of her favorite piece of advice. My sister was (and still is, more than ever) my best friend. I always looked up to her in her three-years-older-than-me wisdom, and took whatever she told me to heart even if it was dont let those kids tell you that you cant do it; I know you can climb that fence and ride that huge bike over those rocks. A broken leg and twenty to thirty splinter removals later, I knew she was right and I had proved those kids wrong. As a little girl think pig-tails and freckles ala Punky Brewster I remember going into my big sisters room, seeking valuable advice. We would both sit on her over-filled waterbed and I would carefully open up my heart to her and lay out all my regrets, ranging from school-dance dress choices to all the things I shouldnt have said to my friends. She would look at me with compassion in her eyes, then carefully place her hand on my shoulder as I braced myself for what would most likely be the greatest earth-shattering big-sis advice I would ever receive, and she would say, Kristy. Stop shoulding on yourself. Learn from the past and live in the now. Then it was over. With a pat on my back, Id be out of her room and on to bigger fences and more treacherous terrain. Although borderline offensive, her advice helped. Learn from the past and live in the now. Thats great advice. If only I could remember it this time of year when the shoulds run rampant. The Christmas season is full of shopping malls screaming the message that if you really love your kids, you should buy them the most expensive gifts, while Christian marketing whispers if you really love Jesus you should proudly display a sign lobbying the semantics of putting the Christ back in Christmas. (Like mere humans could ever remove him.) Its hard not to come down with the shoulds this time of year. Which is why this year Im taking my big sis advice by choosing to stop shoulding and start acting. So, for instance, if we (believers) want to put Christ back in Christmas awesome. Lets do it. Lets show Christ to someone who needs to see him most this time of year; not with a sign in the yard, but with a sign of life and compassion. After all, our Savior didnt come in flashing lights and parades of white horses; he came to us in a way we could understand; he came as an infant tiny yet full of life. Merry X-mas or should I say, Merry Christmas
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Chatter is a publication of Irving Bible Church 2435 Kinwest Pkwy, Irving, TX 75063 (972) 560-4600 | irvingbible.org

a letter from

The Chatter Team

Stand-in Editor Extraordinaire Kristy Alpert Art Direction, Design & Goodness Josh Wiese & Dennis Cheatham The Big Cheese Bill Buchanan

Year-End Giving

We at Irving Bible Church are so appreciative of your donations to the ministry here and around the world.

We accept donations through our offering, by mail or online through the website IrvingBible.org. On the website, search for online giving or go directly to give.irvingbible. org. You can make a one-time gift, or set up a recurring transaction easily. Please note that IRS regulations require that any year-end donations be post marked by December 31 in order to be tax deductible for 2010.

Avoid capital gains tax on stocks in your portfolio by donating the stock directly to IBC. We will be glad to provide our account info and transferring stock allows you to take a tax-deductible donation on the total amount of the stock at the date of transfer instead of selling the stock, making a donation and then paying any capital gains if the stock has increased in value. The financial department at IBC will be glad to answer any questions you might have or assist you in any way we can. Please contact Tommy Tucker at ttucker@irvingbible.org.

Thanksgiving Baskets
You no doubt saw the growing mass of food-filled Thanksgiving baskets in the Town Square throughout the month on November. This year the people of IBC provided Thanksgiving meals to 1800+ families. Well done!

ADVENT
Sidetracked: The Stone Child
As I explore the bustling streets of central London I keep one eye scanning for my goal while my other eye remains on the traffic jam in front of me. Like any other metropolis, Londons arteries tend to flow more than ebb. Everyone has somewhere to be. The shrill honking of horns and the waves of sirens keep the flow moving if only at a snails pace. If there is a traffic jam waiting to happen in London, Trafalgar Square will most likely be the place. I zigzag around the frozen vehicles on foot, thankful that I am not in the auto-coma that surrounds me. My objective sits on the opposite side of Trafalgar Square. The Square has been a gathering point for political demonstration for hundreds of years. Multitudes of people are eating lunch, basking in the sun, or just neighboring in the Square. They look like strange creatures caught in one of those drive through safaris, giving the drivers that slowly rotate around them something to stare at on their painfully dawdling ride around the plaza. The spire of St-Martin-in-the-Field Church rises out of the southwest corner of the Square. It is the oldest building on Trafalgar. I have come to visit both the caf in the crypt, which sits under the church, and gather information on their concert series for future groups that we will lead into London. As I climb the steps of the Greek colonnade porch that leads to the entrance of the sanctuary I am halted by an unusual stone sculpture that dominates the middle of the large covered entrance. A hewn block of granite stands almost at eye level. Bare in its form, and cold to the touch, the four smoothed cubed sides have a simple inscription that wraps around the top of the obelisk. In the beginning there was the Word. The Word became human and lived among us. St. John 1:1, 14. Unlike its sides, the top of the obelisk is rough and pock-marked, like a lake suddenly barraged by a violent rainstorm. Out of the middle of that stone, as if pushed through the rock into the world, rises the newborn God-Child. His eyes are still closed as he emerges out of his mothers womb. He is naked, exposed to the elements, still attached to the umbilical cord that winds back into the rock. It is the beautiful disturbing mystery, captured within this memorial that unexpectedly holds me bound between two worlds for these few minutes. The idea of the Incarnation, God come to earth wrapped in human flesh, both comforts and confounds me. Yet, without this mystery we have an untouchable invisible God. Literal incarnation separates Christ from humanities great labyrinth of gods. To have a God that wrestled in the mud of humanity, that experienced pain and loss, that I can never say, You dont understand too; that is a God that seeks me. The transcendence I toil and trouble over starts with his incarnation. He has broken through creation, into the world of his making. The author has entered the story as the central character but in doing so he decided to follow by our rules. This baby, pushed through the granite, is vulnerable, and in need of the protection and sustenance of others. Vulnerable omniscience, vulnerable omnipotence, vulnerable omnipresence; my head spins while my heart flies. I walk away, onto my tasks, remembering the Word became flesh. A child of stone was sent to soften the stony hearts of humanity. My stony heart just softened a bit more. Let the Advent begin.
St. Martin-in-the-Field Church is featuring a Christmas meal at the Caf in the Crypt this year, including mulled wine and a mince pie for 3.95 or Christmas pudding with brandy sauce or custard for 3.75.

expecting s preparing s rejoicing s accepting

Jesus

He named the baby Jesus. Matthew 1:25

Joseph sat next to Mary on a fresh blanket he laid upon the hay. The new

parents stared at the babe that now lay in the makeshift crib. They had often discussed what this experience would be like but nothing captured the wonder. According to tradition, the child would be named publically by his father during the circumcision ceremony. But nothing, absolutely nothing that surrounded the circumstances of this childs birth followed any traditional patterns. The covenant, once communicated through the Word of God, would now show itself in the life of a human. The Advent was now visible in human flesh. Mother and father heard the child begin to stir with hunger. Gently lifting the babe, Joseph handed him to Mary who put him to her breast bringing nourishment to the human-divine. Looking down upon the suckling child, Joseph whispered the name that would cause the universe to leap in ecstatic bliss. Little one. You will be known as Jesus. Mary responded with a tearful whisper, Jesus. The invisible realm, upon hearing the name above all names would have a different reaction. Mary and Joseph were unaware of the hundreds of thousands of angelic beings that had gathered from every corner of the invisible realm to surround the little hillside cave in Bethlehem. They had watched the divine birth in absolute silence. Never had the whole angelic species gathered in one place at the same time. At the whisper of Jesus they were all compelled to fall on their faces in heavenly worship. Their spirits were opened to a miracle beyond their otherworldly comprehension. Where Mary and Joseph saw a cradle, the angelic realm saw a throne. Where the new parents saw a babe in swaddling clothes, angels and archangels, seraphim and cherubim saw trinity. That name, which started as a whisper, grew in strength as it emanated from the tiny cave. First it enveloped the blue-orb. For a few seconds, all of cre-

Chatter | 4

Advent Resources
IBCAdvent.com
IBCAdvent.com is an Advent resource created by IBC with daily scripture readings and devotionals from The Via Advent (the second book in the Via Devotional series by Shawn Small) so we can walk through this season of anticipation together as a body. We invite you to join the daily journey to Christmas this season.

Suggested Book List

This is a list of several books meant to help us reflect on Gods love, as we count down the days to the birth of Jesus, His only Son. Feel free to pick one and dive in, individually or with family and friends. Praying With the Word: Advent, Christmas and Epiphany by David Haas This collection of daily prayers will accompany us on our journey through the Advent season. This is a great book for individuals or families to read through together at dinnertime. ation, both animal and ecological, froze in a moment of reverence. The fallen angels, unaware of Yahwehs plans, twisted in utter confusion as the name Jesus echoed throughout the depths of hell. As hard as they tried to hold their ears, the name boomed and rendered the totality of the enemys realm mute and unconscious. The name moved through all of the created order and broke through to eternity where the father waited, absorbing it above all names back into himself. The Advent had arrived and the blue-orbs great silence had come to an end. But it was not just the voice Yahweh that ended the silence. His very being was enfleshed on the earth. He was a God who came after his lost people. The name of Jesus would bring hope and salvation from this point forward. Past, present and future would be touched by him. Mary, having fed the child, put the sleeping babe back into his crib. I am very tired Joseph. I must rest. Joseph put his arm over Mary becoming a blanket of warmth and comfort. As she faded off to sleep, Mary asked one last question, Do you think anyone will remember this night? I dont know my love but that wont matter because we certainly will. Goodnight my little Jesus. The father kissed his child and fell fast asleep next to his bride.
Shawn Small spent time in South Sudan in November filming his first documentary.

Preparing for Jesus: Meditations on the Coming of Christ, Advent, Christmas and the Kingdom by Walter Wangerin Jr. This book takes the reader day-by-day through the major events and characters leading up to the birth of Jesus. It has a narrative feel to it. Christmastide: Prayers for Advent Through Epiphany from The Divine Hours by Phyllis Tickle The prayers, psalms, readings and refrains for each day of the Advent season are all in one place. This is a great book intended for individual use.

Jesus was the 78th most popular baby boy name in the U.S. in 2009 according to the Social Security Administration database. Just ahead of Carlos and on the heals of Brody. (ssa.gov)

Random fact: the average male giraffe weighs just under two tons (1980 lbs.).

Chatter | 5

Prayer Guide for Sudan

(focused on the upcoming Referendum in January 2011)

Christmas Around the World

Stories from IBC supported missionaries on how Christmas is celebrated in their parts of the world.
In the Philippines, the Christmas season begins with the -ber months, i.e., September, October, November, and December. Because the Philippines is a heavily Catholic country, there is a lot of celebration from that background as well.Evangelical churches tend to get heavily into Cantatas and other musical productions to celebrate the birth of Christ. One distinctive decoration of the Philippines is the Parol,an elaborate colored lantern that is typically 18 to two-feet or so in diameter. Designs vary widely and may be a variation of a star theme, manger scene or some other scene representative of Christmas. The different sections of the lantern (both sides are identical) have electric lights that are sequenced in either flashing or chase-around style, depending on the design. Edna and Jim Lush, Philippines

Next month in Southern Sudan there will be a referendum on whether the region should declare its independence. Survey says that a new country will be birthed. Its been a complicated pregnancy since the Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed in 2005 with the Arabs in the North and this referendum was scheduled for January 2011. Oil is the biggest problem, with border issues and tribal disagreements adding to the painful contractions. Only a mighty, powerful, peace loving God can intervene in such a way that the horrors of war will be avoided. Stand in the gap for the Sudanese with us as we petition him to keep the peace. A prayer guide is provided below. Pray for:

Advancement of the Gospel and that Jesus Christ would be glorified above all else in Sudan. Malachi 1:11, Revelation 7:9-11 Gods hand to move against strongholds in Sudan, reversing historical patterns of war, violence and genocide. Psalm 46:9-10, Matthew 4:16 Redemption for the broken institutional government/leadership in Sudan and ask him to guide leaders in wisdom and righteousness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 Oppressed peoples of Sudan to be valued and empowered to vote in the Referendum. Psalm 9, Psalm 113:4-9, Isaiah 10:1-4 The church of Sudan to be unified across denominations under the banner of Christ so the Church will be a beacon of light, a strong tower and a champion for justice during this time. Romans 12:1-8 NGOs working in Sudan during the Referendum such as IBCs partners ALARM, Inc. and Water is Basic, asking God to place a mighty army of angels around all of the water wells and other structures that minister Shalom to the people of Sudan. 2 Kings 6:1617 The future of Sudan regarding healing, unity and lasting peace, founded on Christ, bringing justice to the poor and oppressed and governments that lead the way in establishing just systems. Psalm 147:3, Isaiah 61, John 17:20-23 Information for this Prayer Guide was gleaned from the Sudan Support Network (sudanpartners.org), a website committed to supporting the local Sudanese church.

To boost sagging sales, Dominican stores here in Santiago begin elaborate holiday decorating in late September. Many Dominicans respond by buying lavish gifts for family members and new furniture every year. The family normally celebrates on Christmas Eve; the parties can last until the early morning. Dancing, parties, loud music (100 decibels-plus in concrete block apartments), loud conversations, and lots of beer flow. The city provides a fireworks display around midnight, but kids illegally shoot a few firecrackers in the streets as well. The neighborhoods roast whole hogs on open fires, and if you dont want to roast your own, vendors line major streets full-force with roasted hogs for sale. Maanitas, bands that play merengue and bachata music, play their music for all to hear throughout the city. Parking lots at masses overflow on Christmas Eve celebrating the birth of El Divino Nio, while Christmas for believers combines the natural joy of the Dominicans with the greater joy of knowing Christ. Bob and Judy Kay, Crossworld

In Kenya, going to church on Christmas day is a tradition for Christians because there are always Christmas services held regardless of whether Christmas Day falls on Sunday or not. Families dont usually exchange gifts or even have a Christmas tree, but if gifts are given, it is usually to children who receive new clothes rather than toys. If possible, most Kenyans would prefer to slaughter and roast a goat and eat chapatis and other favorite foods with their family to celebrate Christmas Day. Mark and Susie Mercer, Kenya

Christmas in Dubai is mostly a shopping festival, not so different than back home. This was a statement from one of our partners working in Dubai, its just a reminder that there are still places around the world that do not know or welcome the birth of our savior Jesus Christ. This Christmas season, take some time to celebrate the birth of our savior and pray for the billions of people around the world that dont know Christ as Son of God, Savior of the world. Anonymous workers in Dubai
Chatter | 6

Debbie Atteberry has a 20-month-old granddaughter and another one on the way. She still cant decide on her grandma name ... currently trying out abuela.

Shiloh Restored
On an uncommonly cool summer night in South India, precious little Jaya was born. Her first cry as she entered our world was quickly silenced by an aunt in the crowded, dimly lit, thatched-roof hut that her family called home. With her big, brown eyes and cute button-like nose, she should have been a welcome blessing to her parents, but her family had already welcomed two girls in a span of three years. Their hopes and dreams crushed by the birth of yet another girl; the hope of reincarnation filling their souls, they decided to pay the midwife to end Jayas life. Unbeknownst to the parents, their midwife (Ann) was part of a secret mission to rescue baby girls like Jaya. Ann swaddled little baby Jaya and kept her very close to her body as she left (for what the family believed would be Jayas killing). Jayas mother sobbed uncontrollably as she watched Ann leave with her baby. A few family members huddled around Jayas mom (some consoling, some scolding). Ann said a prayer as she walked and with each step her speed increased, until she was running full speed to her house. Once home, she opened her door to find Prakash (a farmer who lived in the next town) and his wife, Smarita waiting, just as theyd planned. Ann placed Jaya in Smaritas arms and they began their three hour journey to the only place they knew of [at the time] where Jaya would be safe a rescue house. There are countless girls whose stories are similar to Jayas. Sadly, some are not as fortunate as Jaya. Female infanticide [the practice of killing baby girls, just minutes or days after birth], though illegal, is still practiced in many parts of our world today. This practice has already skewed the gender ratio in India; for every 1,000 males, there are only 850 females. This practice has also contributed to an increase in human trafficking. As harsh as it sounds, the reality is that females are a liability. Socio-economic and religious reasons play a role in the continuation of this practice. Although abolished on paper, the dowry system is still practiced today. A dowry can be anything the grooms family wishes to have such as: a collection of jewelry, a specified monetary amount, cattle and so on. Many families are unable to provide what the grooms family requests and find it easier to end the girls life at birth; some believe that if the girl is killed, she will reincarnate into a boy (bringing a blessing to the family), while others believe that every odd numbered birth (if a girl) is a curse. Through our non-profit we are beginning to rescue these baby girls. We will be able to provide them with the basics; such as, shelter, food for their little bellies and proper hygiene. We will then shower them with a proper education, school uniforms, birthday gifts and medical care.

God has blessed us with the privilege of being in a position to pour truth into lives of these precious, but unwanted girls. They may be seen as a curse by some, but we see each as a blessing. We empower them with the truth of Gods love. We will work diligently to rescue, nurture, empower and heal as many little ones as we can; we are well aware that we may be raising the next Indira Gandhi, modern-day Esther or Mother Teresa Niji & I are thirty-something, working and operating a photography business; loving life together and enjoying our sweet dog (a Sheltie named Lucas). Three years ago, we learned that female infanticide (although illegal) is still practiced. We knew we had to find a way to become a small part of the solution. This year, we established a non-profit organization Shiloh Restored to rescue girls from female infanticide. Our core belief is that each life is of great value and all are created equal in the sight of God. See ShilohRestored.org to learn how you can become involved in saving lives one girl at a time! Niji and Lali will celebrate 7 years of marriage this year.

Names included in this article have been changed in the interest of security.

Chatter | 7

Love Came Down at Christmas

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Capitol

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Some Children See Him

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Marys Boy Child

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y yyCalypso Carol y yyA Cradle in Bethlehem BethLehem O Little Town y yy Little Town of Bethlehem The Friendly Beasts Do You Hear What I Hear? y yy Away In A Manger y Once In Royal Davids City y
Nigh Bethlehem Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella Patapan

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Joy to the World

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music city
ConFuSion CauSeway

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Rocking Carol

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Joseph, Better You Than Me

y
downtown

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thAnksgiving squAre
Count Your Blessings

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In Dulci Jubilo (Good Christian Men, Rejoice)

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The Wexford Carol (Good People All This Christmas Time)

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Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)

Mary, Did You Know?

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lake ChriStmaS reSort

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Christmas Cant Be Very Far Away

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red County

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stArviLLe

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Dont Save It All for Christmas Day
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Advent town

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Ah, Bleak and Chill The Wintry Wind

Christmas Is Coming

Christmas Songs
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suitable for a variety of tastes An embarrassingly comprehensive but not entirely complete cartography of traditional and contemporary songs, depicted with excruciating attention paid to scale relationships between the songs, their meanings, and resulting locations.

the great map of

Jingle Bell Rock

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Kay Thompsons Jingle Bells
To Halloween

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Tennessee (duty Free Zone) Christmas Kentucky Homemade Christmas

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The Christmas Waltz

y y

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Caroling, Caroling

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This Is Christmas Its The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On A Open Fire)

home yy(Theres No Place Like) Home for the Holidays Celebrate Me Home Christmas In My Hometown y yy There Is No Christmas Like a Home Christmas yy yyIll Be Home For Christmas

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The Nutcracker

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Marshmallow World

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yyThe Night Before Christmas Song

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yyCome Home For Christmas

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tot town

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Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas

gimme more turnpike

Sleep Well, Little Children

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Rockin Around The Christmas Tree

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What Are You Doing New Years Eve?

ver get the feeling that life is like one giant Mall of America in which people wander from store to store, shopping for a destiny? The array of choices in this Destiny Mall is bewildering. Be your own God. I am totally free, there is only me. Get it all, cause you are what you have. Or, as a New Age advisor told me one afternoon in San Franciscos Golden Gate Park, Be one with the universe, and you need to have your aura buffed. (I wondered, is that anything like having your legs waxed?) It can all be very confusing, especially for those who are still mall-walking. Too many years of that, and most folks conclude that Shakespeares Macbeth was right: Lifes but a walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is heard no more. It is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing. Only the existence of God can make moral sense of the universe in which we live. Without him, human life becomes a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. If God is real, and he is, then only God can teach us what destiny to choose. The problem is finding his light in the utter darkness of this worlds spiritual confusion. Mall-walkers rightfully ask, How do I find the way? Perhaps thats your question, too. If so, youll be interested to know that Gods truth and light and the finding thereof is Johns stated purpose in telling Jesus story in his famous eponymous Gospel: There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. He came for a witness, that he might bear

witness of the light, that all might believe through him (1.7). This year at IBC during Advent, were going to be studying that saying and many others about Jesus both from Johns Gospel and the Prophet Isaiah. Advent is the season in the Christian calendar when the church remembers, rehearses and celebrates anew that light, the Great Light, that came when God moved into the neighborhood (The Message, John 1), when Jesus Christ was born on the very first Christmas. This year, we are excited about focusing on Advent with new intensity because we believe God is going to use his Word to bring many to the light who right now are walking in darkness. I want to challenge and enlist the assistance of all IBCers who are reading these words to be a huge part of this years Advent ministry by prayerfully reaching out to the mall-walkers who populate your personal world family and friends, co-workers, neighbors and classmates. Invite them during Advent to hear Gods Word on the themes of Christmas. Lets celebrate the nativity this year by working together to introduce many people to the Light of the World for the first time! On the four Advent Sundays, our teaching team is going to be opening up key passages about Jesus the Messiah from the Prophet Isaiah. Then along with all our other traditional IBC celebrations in our three Christmas Eve Candlelight services, I am going to be identifying the Light of the World with the Christ of Christmas and inviting all to fulfill the true meaning of Christmas by trusting Jesus as their Savior and Lord. Following on the Sundays of December 26 and January 2, we will be teaching two follow-up messages from John 1 as well.

Just so youll know (as my spiritual co-conspirators!) how all the Advent teaching from Isaiah is going to crescendo into a powerful sharing of the Gospel on Christmas Eve and the two Sundays following Christmas, Im giving you the IBC weekend teaching schedule below: November 28, 2010, Isaiah 2:1-5 (Key verse: 4 He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.) December 5, 2010, Isaiah 11:1-10 (Key verses: 1 A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. 2 The spirit of the LORD shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.) December 12, 2010, Isaiah 35:1-10 (Key verses: 5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; 6 Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. 10 And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.) December 19, 2010, Isaiah 7:10-16 (Key verse: 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.)

Christmas Eve Services, John 1.1-5 (Key verses: 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.) December 26, 2010, John 1.6-13 (Key verses: 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 Children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husbands will, but born of God.) January 2, 2011, John 1.14-18 (Key verse:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.) There you have it. If you have any special insights (or maybe complete sermons?) on these passages, Im sure our teaching team would be delighted to hear from you! In any case, I invite you to begin reading and studying with us as you pray for your friends, live Jesus in front of them and invite them to meet the Master. Christmas is coming! Advent is almost here. And once again for the 55th time in my life, I cant wait! O Come, O Come Emmanuel! Now if youll excuse me, I have to make a run to the mall. Not that many shopping days left till Christmas, you know. The world needs to know that Pastor Andys second grand baby arrived on July 25 and that little Madeline Mae, having conquered her Pops, is now on her way to conquering the world in short order.

Preserving Truth
One of the things I love about IBC is its dedication to biblical preaching. The arduous effort to impart spiritual truth from the Bible is only the product of a deep-rooted love for the scriptures. Think about the Bible for a moment. God chose to reveal himself specifically through this book that was written by 40 different authors over a period of 1,500 years. The Bible is like no other book written. Its contents have shaped human history. You see, its no small matter that our teaching team stands before us each week and exposits truth. Remarkably there are nearly 6,000 existing Greek New Testament (NT) manuscripts today. It has been said by scholars that the vastness of manuscript support for our NT is an embarrassment of riches. It is true. Our manuscript evidence for the NT is startling far out numbering all other historical writings. I must confess; Ive been obsessed with the Bible for a while now. So when I was given the opportunity to travel and help preserve the NT using digital photography, I couldnt resist. God has given me the privilege to travel on two expeditions, both in Germany and the U.S., to digitally preserve ancient Greek NT manuscripts. I worked with an organization called The Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts (csntm.org) to preserve these documents. In short, CSNTM is a non-profit organization whose mission is to digitally preserve all extant Greek manuscripts of the NT for scholarly study and enrichment of the church. If you visit their website, you will already see thousands of images posted from numerous expeditions. On my first expedition, I worked with a team in Munster and Munich, Germany. My second expedition kept me state side as we shot manuscripts at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. It is crucial that these manuscripts be digitally preserved, for these documents are ancient treasures of the church, which support and attest the validity of our NT text. By preserving NT manuscripts, scholars are able to draw us even closer to the original wording of the NT, whereby we discover our Lord Jesus. May I stop here and say, shooting manuscripts is intense work. It begins with a lot of politics to just get permission to shoot manuscripts in certain countries. Once we receive the go ahead, we then have to find a spot conducive for photography. Plus, we have lots of equipment: multiple 21 mega-pixel cameras, lenses, reflectors, tripods, cables, a copy stand, two laptop computers, multiple external hard drives and other various essentials. All of this equipment must be set up properly and then, with gloved hands, one person must gently turn the pages and the other must operate the camera via the computer. For eight hours a day, one person stands in a strenuous position as the other keeps a sharp eye on the screen, watching the borders and edges so not to miss any crucial data on the page. Though difficult, nothing is more rewarding. Why? If our NT is important, then isnt it also important that we preserve those documents that undergird the very translations we hold in our hands. We have our NT because faithful scribes copied those words generations ago. After these expeditions, I had to ask myself: What did all this mean to me? I think two responses are appropriate. First, the staying power of the scripture is astounding. The oldest NT manuscript I have been privileged to handle was over 1,100 years old. Folks, thats ancient. Every generation, after our NT was penned, has had a copy of these writings. What I held in my hands was evidence of Gods faithfulness to us. It reminds me that our NT is not a caged lion. It permeates the corridors of history. It is Gods written self-revelation. It is used by the Spirit to change our lives. It cannot be silenced, even after nearly 2,000 years. So let us saturate our hearts and minds with its riches. Let us love our church for its commitment to biblical teaching. Second, and most convicting, is the care in which these scribes labored over the NT. I quickly learned that not every manuscript is created equal. Some manuscripts are just a few leaves, while others are bound books. Some manuscripts are made of parchment, while others are made of papyrus. Some manuscripts contain only the Gospels, and others have the Gospels, plus the Epistles. Some manuscripts contain only Pauls writings, while a few possess the entire NT. I was overwhelmed with the realization that a scribe had a lot of writing to do. It could take months for him to finish, often in backbreaking positions. In a blessed culture like ours, where Bibles line the shelves of our local bookstores, we are at risk of forgetting the sacrifice of the ancient church. What if the only copy of the NT you had is the one you copied by hand in the dim light of a flickering candle? It was precious to our ancient brothers. Is it precious to us? JD Lemming loves all things Irish. His dream is to dance on the Cliffs of Moher.

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The oldest manuscript of the New Testament, the John Rylands manuscript, has been dated to 125 A.D. and was found in Egypt.

The papyrus plant usually grows 23 meters (5 9 ft.) tall.

CoMMunITy ChRISTMAS TREE

Every year at Christmas time, IBC seeks to provide help and hope to those in need through our Community Christmas Tree project. This year, we are building on this tradition through a broader spectrum of our community including our IBC Partners, IBC Family Needs, Fellowship Riders gifts for prisoners families (Angel Tree), and our International Partners Outreach giving initiatives. On November 28, the Community Tree will be covered with Angels representing one of our four Community Tree Projects. Below are descriptions of each project. Please consider taking a look and taking an Angel (or two!).
IBC Local Partners (Green Angels) IBC Family Christmas needs (Red Angel)

For the second year, we have, once again taken a closer look at how we mightbetter support our partners as they serve our community. You will have the opportunity of supporting the needs of school children in Irving ISD, Mercy Street and Services of Hope, the families at Parenting Alone, and the women, children and staff at New Friends New Life and Brighter Tomorrows. Simply fill out your information as a donor, make the appropriate purchase and return it to the designated area in the Town Square. It is our goal to empower and encourage the families that are involved with these wonderful nonprofits, as well as the partners themselves.
IBC International Partners: Coats for Refugee Children (Blue Angel)

Help an IBC family receive gifts this Christmas by selecting an IBC Family red angel from the Community Tree in the Town Square. We ask that you purchase a gift card for the child you select and return it to the IBC offices by December 12. Your gift will help parents purchase clothes and toys for their children that otherwise would not be possible. For more information, contact Jennifer Lefforge at jlefforge@irvingbible.org or (972) 5604600.
Gifts for Children of Prisoners (yellow Angel)

Many of our neighbors here in the DFW area are refugees from countries like Somali Bantu, Congo, Sudan and Burundi. Others are from unreached people groups around the world. You can bless them this Christmas by providingcoats to keep their families warm during the winter months. Simply follow the instructions on the blue angels, pick out the coat appropriate for that childs age and gender and then place your wrapped coat in the appropriate area near the tree no later than December 14. International Partnerships ministry thank you for your help in welcoming these families to our country and showing them Gods love.

Please help us minister to the children of prison inmates by providing Christmas gifts to them in the name of their prisoner-parent. The Fellowship Riders will minister to these at risk kids by distributing the gifts on Saturday, December 18. You can participate by choosing a yellow angel from the Community Tree in the Town Square, buying the needed items and returning them to the Town Square by December 12. Contact Gary at gary@flooringeffects. com or (972) 9791176 for more info. (There are also opportunities to help with distribution even if you are not a Fellowship Rider.)

Advent and Christmas

at Irving Bible Church
Lighting the Flame Advent Kickoff
Sunday, November 28 Services at 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m. & 5 p.m. Join us for a special Advent Season kick-off. Elementary age (K-5th) will attend services with their family. Regular childrens ministry classes will be available in all three services for pre-school and younger.

Christmas Eve Candlelight

Friday, December 24 Services at 4 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. Both Christmas Eve Candlelight services are identical and are for the whole family. Care will be available during both services for children pre-school age and younger. Please register your child online at kidzone.irvingbible.org

Worship Services After Christmas

Sunday, December 26 Services at 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m., & 5 p.m. We will have three identical services where elementary age children (K-5th) will attend services with their family. Regular childrens ministry classes will be available in all three services for kids pre-school age and younger.

The Tubes indoor playground is open daily to all through the holidays. Daily Advent readings and more information at IbcAdvent.com
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This MonTh
Bible Communities
Communities on Sunday
Theres always something new going on in Bible communities! Heres a taste of whats going on this month: The Tree 9 a.m. West D The Tree is a Bible community for young marrieds and young families in their 20s and early 30s looking to grow together in faith and marriage. Join us this month as we study the fruit of Gentleness in a six-week study. Next month we will begin the relational study Love and Respect. The Point 6:45 p.m. The Alcove The Point consists of three table groups. One following the sermon series. The second discussing N.D. Wilson Notes from a TiltA-Whirl. The third discussing life lessons from the parables. Crossroads 10:45 a.m. The Alcove We will be looking at The Jesus You Cant Ignore: What You Must Learn from the Bold Confrontations of Christ by John MacArthur. MacArthur carefully examines the Scriptures to show readers the powerful and provocative character of Jesus of Nazareth. Renew 10:45 a.m. Training Center Join us as we begin a study on personal growth by Donald Miller and Dr. Henry Cloud entitled Learning to Meet Lifes Demands. For more information or to find out more about all our Bible communities, go to biblecommunities. irvingbible.org or call Jen at (972) 5604655. kids with team building activities, life-application conversations, and high impact fun! Wednesdays, 6:308:30 p.m. in the Zone, Grades K5th Zone 6:30* Zone 6:30 is a great way for your elementary age child to grow deeper in their spiritual walk. Now is the time to take that next step for your child and sign them up for this dynamic small group Bible Study that has a lifelong impact. Who: K5th grade When: 6:158:30 p.m. every Tuesday Where: The Zone Fee: $25 per child to cover the cost of the study book and activities through the year. Register online at zone630.irvingbible.org *For more info contact Melissa Franke at mfranke@irvingbible.org.

Espaol

Bilingual Ministry
Traduccin del Servicio los Domingos Traduccin simultnea en el Servicio de las 5 p.m. Escuchnlo en la red: irvingbible.org. Se necesitan traductores. Sunday Service Translation Simultaneous translation available during the 5 p.m. service. Spanish Translations online at irvingbible. org. Translators needed. ESL (Ingles Como Segundo Idioma) AZ14 & 15 Quiere aprender ingls? Quiere mejorar su ingls? Ven a las clases de ingls (ESL)! Practica en las cuatro destrezas: lectura, escritura, oral y auditiva. Cada mircoles desde 6:308:30 p.m. Para ms informacin, contacte a Lauren Menge: esl@irvingbible.org Estudio Biblico de Mujeres Martes 9:30 a 11:30 a.m. o 6:30 a 8:30 p.m. Acompaanos a estudiar y meditar en la palabra de Dios junto a otras mujeres. Womens Bible Study Tuesday 9:3011:30 a.m. or 6:308:30 p.m. Join us as we study and meditate on Gods word with other women.

Seasoned Saints

For the Young at Heart (ages 55+)

holiday open house at Carpenter hall Friday, December 3, 5:30 p.m. Irving Arts Center MacArthur will be aglow with the sights and sounds of a Story Book Christmas. Take a walk through the Wonderland of Trees and holiday-themed art projects in the main gallery, then enjoy a free performance of the Nutcracker at 7:30 p.m., featuring the Ballet Ensemble of Texas. Potluck Lunch and Fellowship Sunday, December 19 The Commons Join us for a potluck in the Commons Annex, adjoining the Haven, immediately following the 10:45 a.m. service. Bring a dish to share if you can, but come anyway! The Gift of Christmas Sunday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. Here is a special Christmas program to celebrate our Lord The Gift of Christmas will be presented by Plymouth Park Baptist Church Worship Ministry. This worship choir has been invited to sing at the world premier performance of The Gift of Christmas in Manger Square in Bethlehem. To add or remove names from the Seasoned Saints mailing list, e-mail bgroezinger@verizon.net.

Community Care
Hope for the Hurting
Recovery at IBC nEW LoCATIon Thursdays, 68:30 p.m. West Wing-youth Lounge Join us for a light meal at 6 p.m. for just $4. Do you deal with perfectionism, pride, overeating, inappropriate anger or control? Come check us out to see if were for you. Many have and you may too anonymously! Griefshare Tuesdays from 6:308 p.m. The Conference Room We are a caring group of people who will walk along side you through one of lifes most difficult experiences. You dont have to walk the journey alone. A new group will be starting after the first of the year. Childcare is available. For information contact Sharon at shararrington@verizon.net. Grace for the Wounded Grace for the Wounded is a confidential weekly small group program for survivors of abuse in all forms. We cover issues like what the Bible says about abuse and how surviving abuse has impacted us. The dynamics and impacts of abuse are universal and all are welcome. Womens group starts at 6:30 p.m. Contact Bernie: (678) 8604575 Mens group starts at 6:30 p.m. Contact Paul: (214) 2268234

IBCMen

Ministry to Men
First Watch Xtra Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. in the Training Center Visit men.irvingbible.org for info.

Single-Parent Family
Community and Resources
Childrens Christmas Parade in Dallas Saturday, December 4 from 7 a.m.1 p.m. Meet at the Dart Station in downtown Irving on Rock Island Road. Bring snacks and hot drinks, dress warmly; chairs and blankets welcome. Contact Marsha for more information at mtribbett@ irvingbible.org Womens Christmas Dinner Tuesday, December 7, 69 p.m. Town Square Single moms tables. Contact Jennifer, director of the Single Parent Ministry, at jerlenbusch@irvingbible.org for more information. Decorate Gingerbread houses/ Potluck Luck Sunday, Dec. 12 from 10:45 a.m.2 p.m. in West C Bring a dish to share for lunch. Contact Jennifer for more information at jerlenbusch@irvingbible.org. Progressive Christmas Dinner Saturday, December 18 Visit three different homes for

Children

Infants Through 5th Grade

Respite Care for Special needs Caregivers One Saturday evening a month respite is provided by volunteers to give caregivers of children with special needs a few hours to themselves. Support Group for Families of Special needs Children First Wednesdays of the month 6:308:30 p.m. The first Wednesday of each month a support group for the families meets after the weekly meal. For information contact Diana at dblessing@irvingbible.org. MyZone* MyZone is a safe environment for

Local Partnerships
Reaching the Community
Community Christmas Tree Many of the students and clients our partners serve count on us to help provide a little hope during the holiday seasons. Please consider giving a tangible gift to our partners and those they serve through the Community Tree giving project again this year. By choosing a green angel from the tree, you will find specific ways you can support and encourage our community through our local partners. For more information, contact Tricia at tkinsman@irvingbible.org.

Chatter | 14

appetizers, entre and dessert. Contact ontrack_2010@hotmail. com for more information. Boys Mentoring Program Wednesday, Dec. 29, 68 p.m. Go to Speedzone with your mentors! Contact Marsha for more info at mtribbett@irvingbible.org. Save-the-Date Guys Stuff Workshop: how to use Basic Tools Saturday, January 20, 10 a.m. noon in The Alcove (for boys in single parent families) Save-the-Date Get Together for Mentoring Boys in Single Parent Families Thursday, January 21, 68:30 p.m. Questions about a single-parent event? Contact Marsha at (972) 5604633 x586 or mtribbett@irvingbible.org.

Tuesdays 9:3011:30 a.m. or 6:308:30 p.m. For more information or to register, go to irvingbible.org and click on the womens ministry tab. MoPS Thursday, December 9 from 78:30 p.m. For registration or more information contact Sara Taylor at sarabeth2@me.com. Save the Date Oasis Womens Retreat February 25-27

and enhance your job search skills. We meet Wednesdays and offer an eight week program to guide you through a successful job search along with support and fellowship. Let us give you a view from the hiring side to assist you in preparing your resume, preparing for your next interview and much more. For more information, contact Lisa Ashbeck at lashbeck@pdstech.com. Visit 2435kinwest.org for a list of other activities and ways to get involved.

to scrapbooking let us know and we will be happy to help get you started. Dont hesitate to join us if you are a card maker, paper crafter or digital scrapper. For more information please contact Nikki Heinemann at nikkiscraps@ verizon.net. Budget Coaching Are you ready to get financially fit? Want someone to help coach you so you can take control of your finances Gods way? For more info about getting a personal budget coach, contact budgetcoaching@ irvingbible.org. hearing Assistance Hearing Assistance is available during all three worship services. You can stop by the Journey Lounge for instructions. nIChE (north Irving Christian home Educators) No meeting is scheduled for December. Merry Christmas to you and your family from all of us on the Board. Contact NICHE at: texasniche06@gmail.com new Arrivals Congratulations to the following families on the births of their children: John and Amber Dyer and their daughter Rebecca Ruth, born August 13, weighing 8 lbs and 5 oz. Kyle and Traci Dunlap and their son Carson Thomas, born October 8, weighing 5 lbs and 11 oz., 19 inches.

young Adults
20s and Early 30s
The Gathering for young Adults First three Thursdays in December, 7 p.m. at the Mo A chance for young adults to relax, enjoy great music, food, conversation and life specific encouragement.

Miscellaneous

A Little Bit of Everything

Annual Car Care Party December 11 from 24 p.m. West C Anybody can come to suggest program ideas or ask questions. Especially come if you are a mechanic or a shadetree mechanic. Come all who can turn a wrench! Stitches of Faith Tuesdays, 6:308:30 p.m. Mosaic Caf Join us as we continue to craft afghans for our military and learn a new skill or technique. Questions? Contact Wendy Vera at (214) 5332781 or msbabydragon@ yahoo.com. IBC Crop night December 3, 510 p.m. The Commons Annex Bring your pictures, albums and tools and lets crop. If you are new

Student Ministries

Middle/High School and College

Sundays 6:458 p.m. 68th grade meets in The Commons 912 grade meets in the High School Room
th

2435 Kinwest

Wednesday Nights at IBC

Wednesdays Join us each Wednesday to experience The W. Bring $3 for a delicious meal and stay for fun, games & relationships. Contact mconnor@irvingbible.org. College Ministry Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. The Alcove Join the IBC College Ministry Tuesday nights at 7:30 p.m. in the Alcove (below the Mosaic Cafe at IBC). For more information, contact camillekholland@gmail.com. FREE Citizenship Class Wednesdays from 6:308 p.m. If you are at least 18 years old and have been issued a Permanent Resident Card and have a desire to become a Naturalized U.S. citizen, please join us each Wednesday night. The class will run approximately twelve weeks. Well guide you through the N-400 paper work and prepare you for the main components of the new citizenship test. Class is free and study materials are provided, but students are responsible for the fees associated for N-400 application process, payable to the U.S. Naturalization Services. Students may attend the class without having to submit for the N-400. E-mail citizenship@irvingbible.org to register. ESL: English as a Second Language Wednesdays, 6:308:30 p.m. AZ14 & 15 Do you want to learn English? Do you want to improve your English? Come to ESL classes! Practice all four skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. For more info, contact Lauren Menge at esl@irvingbible.org. IBC Career Transition Ministry Wednesdays from 6:308 p.m. Join the IBC Career Transition Ministry and let us walk with you

We

Ministry To Women
Christmas Dinner December 7 Tour of tables and start of raffle ticket sales: 5:45 p.m. Dinner: 6:30 p.m. Entertainment by Pavlovs Dogs Tickets: $20 each or $160 for a table of 8 Tickets on sale after Sunday services until November 28. E-mail amyowen831@yahoo.com for more information. Proceeds benefit African Womens Initiatives. Spring Womens Bible Study starts back January 11 Get it Together: a Study of First Corinthians

Mothering preschool children is tough. Need Support? ats why we are here.
MOPS meets rd ursdays, - : p.m. in e Commons at Irving Bible Church*. Join us for spiritual encouragment and the opportunity to connect with other moms and mentor moms who have been there and done that. For more info or to register e-mail mops@irvingbible.org.
*Due to Christmas well meet the
nd

ursday in December.

Chatter | 15

Still looking to nd your place at IBC? Been here forever but cant seem to gure out what its all about and how you t into the larger picture? Want to have free breakfast every Sunday for four weeks?

Propel is an experience designed to help you gure out how you can best plug into IBCs culture and calling. Well talk about what it means to deepen your soul, nd relationship and join the missionand what that might look like for you.

Register: Four consecutive weeks starting January 23 at 10:45 a.m. in West A. To register or for more information contact Jen at (972) 5604655 or jlefforge@irvingbible.org. Space is limited. Register early so someone else doesnt get your bagel.

Are You New to IBC?

You're probably wanting to learn more about who we are, what we believe and how to get plugged in.

National Alliance for Mental Education Class (NAMI) Illness Family-to-Family

NAMI Family-to-Family is a series of 12 weekly classes structured to help family members, friends and caregivers understand and support individuals with serious mental disorders while maintaining their own well being. There is no cost and all materials are provided.

Newcomer Gathering is for you.

Wednesday, January 12, 6:30 p.m. in The Alcove If you are new to IBC, we invite you to attend a Newcomer Gathering. This informal get-together is for anyone wanting to learn more about who we are, what we believe and how to get plugged in regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey. Meet elders and church leadership, ask questions and get to know other IBCers. Register online at newcomergathering.irvingbible.org. KidZone is available for children birth-preschool. Register at least 48-hours in advance at kidzone.irvingbible.org. For children kindergarten-5th grade, MyZone is availible, no registration necessary.

Mental Health Grace Alliance (MHGA)

MHGA small groups meet every other week and are structured similar to the NAMI Family-to-Family classes, but are more biblically based and occour on an on-going basis and do not have to be attended in order. MHGA small groups are for family members, friends and caregivers of those who su er with a mental illness. There is no cost for MHGA groups.

Classes start: Monday January 24

Where: West B at Irving Bible Church When: NAMI Family-to-Family Class, 6:309 p.m. MHGA Groups, to be scheduled For more information or to register, contact Buzz Moody at (972) 4320507 or nami@irvingbible.org. Be sure to specify which class, NAMI or MHGA , you are interested in.

Kids night out

Saturday, December 11 9 a.m.Noon in The Commons This free event for kids in single parent families includes: A hearty breakfast Shopping for gifts for your parents Wrapping your gifts Making original Christmas cards Making Christmas crafts Decorating cookies Meeting Santa and having your picture taken with him 7 Watching a Christmas movie 7 7 7 7 7 7 7

Register online under KNO Christmas Mall listed in Single Parent Ministries.

Get It Together
a study of First Corinthians a 14 week Bible study for women Begins Tuesday, January 11 9:3011:30 a.m. or 6:308:30 p.m. The Commons at IBC

merging faith and action

Do you sometimes feel like you are leading two separate lives? One life filled with faith ideas and Jesus words, another with actions that contradict or ignore that same faith . . . This spring, as we look at Pauls first letter to the church in Corinth, well see our need to put feet to our faith. We will learn how to merge these two pieces of our livesour beliefs and actionsand really get it together.

To register for the Bible study or for KidZone, our excellent program for children, go to www.amovementofwomen.org.

HOsTeD By:

SunDAy SChEDuLE
First Worship Service: 9 a.m.
Childrens Classes (all ages) Nexus (40+ singles), The Alcove The Tree (newly and nearly weds), West D Synergy (30s and 40s couples), Middle School Room

hoW Do I GIVE
My Time, Talents & Skills
Single Parent Ministry Ways to give: Sponsor a single mom or a table of single moms for the Womens Christmas Dinner. Contact Jennifer at jerlenbusch@irvingbible.org. Sponsor a family or make a donation for a single parent family to attend Horn Creek Camp in June 2011. Contact Jennifer at jerlenbusch@irvingbible.org. Needed: IBC Men and Women mentors. Men mentor a boy, and women mentor a girl from a single parent family. All it takes is a little time and a big heart. Contact Marsha at mtribbett@irvingible.org. Can You Run a Camera? We need more volunteers to run cameras during the Sunday services. Contact Jeff Taylor at jtaylor@ irvingbible.org. Childrens Ministry Find Your Spot Welcome team: serve before or after worship services. Sunday Ministry: be a coach, lead children, be a SonShine Pal or run tech. Midweek: lead a small group Bible study on Tuesdays or Thursday evenings or be a part of MyZone on Wednesday nights.
Contact Michelle at mrobinson@irvingbible.org for more information or check out servekids.irvingbible.org.

My Resources
Cars for Missionary Families Do you have an extra car to loan a missionary family on furlough? Contact the International Initiatives Department (dprevilon@irvingbible.org). Online Giving Option If you would find it more convenient to donate to the ministries of Irving Bible Church online, please visit give.irvingbible.org.

Second Worship Service: 10:45 a.m.

Childrens Classes (all ages) Crossroads (mid 20s to mid 30s couples), The Alcove On Track (single parents), West C Journey (all welcome), Middle School Room Girlfriends (solo on Sundays), Commons Annex Renew (multi-generational), Training Center Thrive (30s and 40s singles), West D

Third Worship Service: 5 p.m.

Childrens Classes (all ages)

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

The Point (20s singles), The Alcove Central Park (20s singles & couples), Conferance Room Legacy Builders (all welcome), Zone Jr. 7 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.

Also, check out the Needs Board in the Town Square to find out how you can help meet the needs of others at IBC.

12/5 Pizza, breadsticks and salad bar 12/12 Chicken fajitas and salad bar 12/19 Grilled hamburgers or brats with salad bar 12/26 No meal
If youd like to serve on a Sunday night meal team, contact Pat OReilly at (214) 289-6176 or sundaynightmeal@irvingbible.org.

JOURNEY

God invites us to a journey. A journey that leads to him and connects us to others. Individually, our journeys are unique, but we share common needs. The need to deepen our souls. The need for relationship. The need for mission and purpose. At IBC, we are all about helping each other on our journeys. We invite you to explore irvingbible.org for all kinds of ways you can navigate your journey.

DEEpEN thE SOUl

Wednesday Midweek Meals

Each Wednesday night from 5 6:20 p.m., IBC prepares meals 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!

Faith isnt just a one-time discovery but also a lifetime of moving toward God. Our souls are made to grow, not just in knowledge but in connection with God. No matter where you are in your spiritual journey you can go deeper.

FiND RElatiONShip

Since creation, God has said it is not good for man to be alone. We are designed to work together, play together, live together. It is essential that we are in relationship with others on the journey.

12/1 Lasagna, hot breadsticks, salad and dessert 12/8 Deluxe burgers, potato salad, baked beans, salad and dessert 12/15 Pizza, salad and dessert 12/22 No meal 12/29 No meal
If youd like to serve on a Wednesday night meal team, please e-mail bdowney@irvingbible.org.

JOiN thE MiSSiON

To be full, a life must be engaged in the story of God restoring his creation and connecting people to himself. We have a responsibility to each other globally and locally in making a difference.

Journey Lounge

Whether youre searching for answers, are a new believer, or have been a follower of Christ for many years, were all on this journey togethera journey to deepen our soul, to be in relationship and to serve with mission and purpose. Sometimes its hard to navigate that path because we share common needs, but each persons journey is unique. So, weve created the Journey Lounge where you can find help on your own personal journey. The Journey Lounge is open before, during and after all three worship services on Sunday. Its located in the Town Square across from the fountain just look for the cool sofas, comfy chairs and smiling faces.

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Were all meant to grow, to be in relationship and to join the mission. The Journey Lounge is a place to start.

where did my ironic quotation marks go? Okay, found em: I hate the holiday season. Back in the olden days of the early 1970s, the holiday season was a catchall phrase denoting Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day in other words, an actual season of holidays. Now holiday season denotes a special time of year when gluten-free, vegan-salami-wielding Wiccans try to bag their limit of joyful souls who dare utter Merry Christmas. Which is usually quite difficult as those tofu meat sticks are much spongier than the real thing. Yes, I know, Christmas and all it represents have been under attack since the whole Priceline lost your reservations imbroglio at the inn, but the insistence on stripping Christ from Christmas has been gaining serious, non-jocular momentum the past few years. For example, back in my day (thats right, I said it), the second graders at our neighborhood public school would put on a Christmas play that was not only called the Christmas play but was often, heavens to murgatroyd, about Christmas. In my case, the production was a moving operetta entitled Merry Christmas, Mr. Snowman. (Full disclosure: I was Mr. Snowman. And if you must know, I went all Method and wandered, Brando-like, about the house in the chicken-wire-and-papier-mch snowman costume my mom had constructed. And, like Brando, I became wedged between a bed and a dresser due to a girth-related miscalculation.) But in todays era of secular killjoys, Christmas break is now winter furlough, and a play like Mr. Snowman would be rejiggered into Happy Solstice, Humpy the Trans-specied Whale! Of course the most egregious examples of Christmasphobia come from the fraternal triplets of media, retail and advertising. And their egregiosity knows no bounds. Assorted network and cable television channels will trot out shows informing us that Christ was actually born, not in a manger, but in the back of a time-traveling 72 El Camino. Well be incessantly reminded that Christmas isnt the only holiday on the schedule and that while Christmas may be overcommercialized, we better spend, spend, spend if we dont want Black Friday sales to turn into Black Monday stock market losses.

Conquering Christmasphobia

I hate the holiday season. Wait,

In the Bobbsey Twin world of retail and advertising, stores trumpet their sales 24/7, yet the majority refuses to acknowledge the reason for their pleadin. Instead we get holiday trees. And holiday decorations. Holiday shopping. Holiday get-togethers. Holiday sales. Come one! Come all! Its the Generic Holiday Season! Buy our stuff! Frankly its a bit rude. After all, if you dont mind making 40 percent of your profits during one six-week period; if you dont mind advertising sale upon sale and having extended hours during the month of December; if you have no problem decking the aisles with red and white candy canes while accepting consumers green at the register; if, in other words, you have no problem making money off of Christmas, then come out and say Christmas. The argument, a holiday clich itself at this point, is that retailers dont want to offend anyone who doesnt celebrate Christmas. Ignoring the fact that most ordinary folks arent offended by the mere existence of something in which they dont participate. I wouldnt get offended if a store had a Ramadan sale. As long as they had deep discounts on flat-screen TVs. But what if someone does choose to be offended at the Yuletide ebullience? Well, pardon my lack of Christian charity, but so what? If a store owner really wanted to be all things to all people they shouldve gone into politics. And maybe, just maybe, that .000045 percent of sales a store loses will be made up by shoppers who are happy to have their holiday recognized and respected instead of just ripped off for commercial purposes. Because Christians you know, the bulk of American consumers shop a lot more places than Hobby Lobby and Mardel. Yet I still have hope that all is not lost on this front. Aside from the fact that Jesus is Lord of all and will take care of these miscreants in due time, of course. And that is the annual airing of A Charlie Brown Christmas. For 45 years now, first on CBS and now ABC, Charles Schultzs Peanuts gang has spread the Christmas message without falling prey to encroaching political correctness. Can you imagine a scene (Hallmark Hall of Fame specials excluded) in a modern TV special wherein a main character literally recites Luke Chapter 2 and then tells everyone thats what Christmas is all about as Linus does? Surely, Shirley, you jest. So as for me and my house, well celebrate the arrival of the round-headed kid with a wisp hair. And also, the Lord. Jason Fox wishes everyone, even the Druids, a merry Christmas.

Begin blatantly obvious Idle Chatter disclaimer.

WARnInG: IDLE ChATTER IS A TonGuE-In-ChEEK LooK AT MILDLy IMPoRTAnT ToPICS FACInG ChRISTIAnITy ToDAy AnD PoSSIBLy In ThE yEAR 2354. ThIS CoLuMn MAy oR MAy noT ConTAIn TRuThS ThAT ARE PRoFounD oR PRoFounDLy IMAGInED By ThE AuThoR. In oThER WoRDS, ITS FoR AMuSEMEnT.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled Idle Chatter.

Merry Christmas Mr. Snowman is also a book that was published by Wonder Books in 1951.

Speaking of time traveling, this year marks the 25th anniversary of the release of Back to the Future. To celebrate, they are releasing Back to the Future: The Game for PC, Mac, PS3 and iPad this month.

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O that birth forever blessd, when the virgin, full of grace, By the Holy Ghost conceiving, bare the Savior of our race; And the Babe, the worlds Redeemer, First revealed His sacred face, evermore and evermore!
from: Of The Fathers Love Begotten words: Aurelius Prudentius, 5th Century (Corde natus ex parentis); translated from Latin to English by John M. Neale, 1854, and Henry W. Baker, 1859. music: Divinum Mysterium, Sanctus trope, 11th Century