OCTOBER 2013

a letter from

Chatter

You might have heard of the butterfly effect, but Ive been enamored recently

beatings, shipwrecks, and social abandonments affirm it. Even Jesus asks us to rehearse this mystery of death-with-him through the sacrament of baptism, and in the pesky way he asks us to pick up our cross behind him (Matt. 16:24). We cant escape the fact that being a true follower of Jesus to be used by him to reveal life and hope to the world requires massive disassembly. How are you being disassembled today? Earlier in Pauls life, when he had been confronted by the risen Christ and blinded on the road to Damascus, Jesus spoke to a follower named Ananias. He told him to go and lay hands on Paul to restore his vision and bless him as a new brother. When Ananias protested, Jesus tells him, Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name (Acts 9:15, emphasis mine). Even from the beginning, Paul knew things would be hard. Jesus had a pretty exhaustive, and exhausting, itinerary for him. But Paul also knew he had signed up for a transcendent life, one that would break open so light and life and joy could reach kings and Jews and Gentiles. Paul willingly followed Christs example, who, For the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2). Maybe God is showing you what you must suffer for his name today. Enormous or smallish, mega-sized or mundane, the chrysalis is the cost of discipleship. But the chrysalis doesnt get the last word. Theres joy just outside these murky walls singing and music and dancing just beyond them, a chorus of, Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? (1 Cor. 15:55). If you find yourself structure-less with grief inside a prison of pain you think just might kill you just wait. It will. And thats the point. Just hold very still. Drink down the cup. New and more beautiful structures are being fashioned inside of you, even now, for the continued redemption of a groaning world. Try to see it if you can, the shimmering victory, the joy before you, the life-to-the-fullest, coming just over the hill. Spring will not be held at bay.

with something I can only dub the chrysalis effect. Chrysalis: just a fancy term for a butterflys cocoon, the gold pupa that breaks apart to deliver the fluttering wings and buzzing legs and fuzzy body we love to see floating through our flower beds every spring. But theres a price to be paid inside the chrysalis. Im no scientist, but a recent documentary on butterflies (Metamorphosis, Illustra Media) opened my eyes to the wonder and terror that a chrysalis represents. By some instinct built into the genome of the caterpillar, the very hungry little fellow spends his lighting-fast adolescence and brief adulthood eating mass amounts of foliage, stocking up for his next iteration. And then at just the right moment, on just the right kind of plant, at just the right place on a leaf, he fashions his pupa around himself and holds very still. Hes waiting for something rather awful, actually. Something that makes me cringe, yet something that makes me respect and adore him: hes waiting for his own body to turn on him. Hes waiting for his own cells to begin digesting the organs and little caterpillar structures that have supported and defined him up until this point. His insides, his whole body, turns to soup, rearranging itself according to a built-in set of genetic instructions that are the precursor to the fluttery wings and buzzing legs and fuzzy body. The caterpillar allows himself to be completely disassembled. If something were to interrupt the process even for a second, not only would there be no butterfly, there would be no caterpillar either. Just a mass of cells. Just a mess.

In the book of 2 Corinthians, Paul is encouraging his readers to have an eternal perspective of the various trials they were suffering because of Jesus. He reminds them of something rather awful, yet something that makes me respect and adore him: We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. In the great mystery of our relationship with Jesus, not only do we share in his life, but we also share in his death. Paul knew this, to be sure. His many imprisonments,

Editor Julie Rhodes Art Direction, Design & Goodness Josh Wiese, Lindsey Sobolik, JD Lemming Admin Extraordinaire Victoria Andrews Our Very Tall Boss Scott McClellan, Communications Pastor

Photography Charles Stafford (Photo Update, All in the Family)* Writers Jason Fox (Idle Chatter)* Kayla & Ryan North (Fostering Hope)* Peggy Norton (All in the Family)*

Editorial Assistance/Proofing Summer Alexander*, Annie Stone* Thoughts, comments, ideas? Contact Chatter at chatter@irvingbible.org. Need Chatter Digitally? Chatter is on the web at irvingbible.org/chatter. *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: LOL

Women at IBC enjoyed an evening of comedy, cupcakes and close connections at #LOL@IBC.

Update: In His Image

The In His Image crew enjoys the 2435 Kinwest kickoff with a great meal inThe Commons. For more about meal teams, turn to page 12.

Light Life
of
IBC staffer Betsy Nichols reflects on the recent trip to East Africa, where Young Adults from IBC ministered to Muslim teens. It is early in the morning. The sun has just come up and I make my way to a quiet place to look out over the ocean in order to think and pray. The rest of camp is beginning to stir, slowly getting ready for breakfast. I am tired. Its the end of our trip and we have just finished two full days of camp. As I reflect, I hear footsteps behind me and look over to find Freddy pulling up a chair next to me without a word. We exchange a knowing smile and hushed good morning and sit in quiet together for a moment. When I met Freddy last year, he was your typical teenage boy: tough and cool and hard to crack. But once he let his guard down, I found that Freddy had a smile that could light a city and a heart that melted my own. Over the past year, we have become dear friends, but four years ago, Freddy was a typical street boy on his own and struggling to survive. Thats when he encountered our missionary friends in East Africa (specific location withheld for security) who helped him find food and a place to live, as well as a sponsor for his education and a safe place to learn and grow. Now, Jackie, our IBC Missionary there, is part of the community of believers serving boys like Freddy. She runs the Light of Life Library (LOL), a primary gathering place where these boys and Africans of various ages, cultures and faiths can gather to have fun, learn about Jesus, and grow. (The Smith family name changed for security reasons began LOL Library years ago for just that purpose.) All over this city, there are kids, teens, and young adults looking for life. And, whether they know it or not, the love of Jesus. But there are not a lot of Christians in this area. The city is a melting pot of cultures and religions, primarily Islam and Hinduism. And in this culture, there is no real bridge between the church and the un-churched, between those looking for life and those who know the way to find it; nothing except a few missionaries and the small ministry of the Light of Life Library. This library-slash-community-center, set in the heart of the city, is the only place we know where kids, teens, and young adults from all different faiths and walks of life come to play games, take classes, do homework, and learn about Jesus. This summer, like last, we came to East Africa to serve at LOL. And, conversation by conversation, story by story, we have helped build bridges to connect hearts to Jesus. At first, when Jackie told us we were coming primarily to build relationships at the Library, we all wondered if that was enough. Now we know relationships are more important than anything. Last year we met Angeline, a Muslim friend of Jackies. We threw a craft party and kids club at her house so she and her girlfriends could have some rare time together without the children. She enjoyed the event so much that she invited us back to break the fast of Ramadan together with her and her husband a few nights later an experience we treasured. As a result, Angelines friendship with team members like IBCer Shannon Miller continued throughout the year. (You might know Shannon as the coordinator of IBCs Special Needs ministry.) When Shannon returned this summer, she made a point to visit Angeline. In the course of their conversation, Angeline asked Shannon if they could talk about their beliefs. For the first time since meeting Angeline over a year ago, Shannon got the open invitation to share the gospel. Other relationships are blooming, too. Last year we also met Farah, a young woman who was kicked out when she came to Christ two years ago through LOL Library. She has since finished fashion school (with the help of Women at IBC) and is seeing her business begin to gain ground. And then theres Rachael, a young woman who is now attending the university and becoming a leader at the library. This year, through the game nights and celebrations we hosted at the library, we met a few new friends. Friends like Camilla a young adult going through a bad divorce with an abusive husband whom we en-

couraged with a makeover. And then theres Samuel, a 20-year-old guy from a Muslim family who came to camp with us on the last weekend where he heard the gospel for the first time. Before I know it, its our last weekend of the trip. We load up buses with mattresses and 29 street boys (including Samuel) and drive to a small retreat center by the sea to throw a camp just for them. We laugh and cheer as they play minute-to-win it games, pummel each other with tempura paint socks, and school us at soccer. We smile with delight as they eat their first smores, screaming MUSHY BANANAS! MUSHY BANANAS! an inside joke that kept popping up throughout the week. And in the quiet of the evening, we tell them how Jesus is the light of the world, how he stepped into their darkness, a darkness they know too well, and offered them the light of life. I watch their faces and think of how beautiful it is that God has helped so many of them understand this truth. As one boy Bradley said in his farewell letter, We know Jesus differently [now] as the light of the world shining on a hilltop in a pitch black area Since you know Jesus, we say to them, God calls you to be lights, too. Weve heard since that they are doing just that.

the years to come, because this story didnt begin with us and wont end with us. Some will sponsor a boys education, some will recruit sponsors. Some will join IBC and help support the Light of Life Library and the dreams we share with our missionaries of reaching this community. Some will come back to see these people again and again, continuing the work started long ago building bridges to Jesus. Maybe you will come too. Betsy Nichols once sat a few seats down from Chuck Norris at an event in Dallas shes convinced it gave her super powers.
Betsy teaches on Sundays in Worship Services at Irving Bible Church as a member of the IBC Teaching Team. She is also responsible for the leadership and vision behind Young Adults at IBC.

On our way home from camp, we drive aboard the ferry carrying us back and I climb out of the van to get some air. I slip through strangers to the crowded upper deck and take in the sunset over the water. Sights, sounds, and smells of Africa stir in a flurry around me. Suddenly, I feel someone squeeze in close. I look over and find Freddy. Once more, we exchange a smile without a word, I put my arm around him and my heart begins to break. I know its time to leave, but we dont want to go.

Shannon Miller, Betsy Nichols, Jennifer Mayes, and Christina Matt playing spoons with the boys at Light of Life Library.

Freddy and Betsy

All the way home I think to myself, I dont know what to do Lord. I dont know what to do. We love these kids so much and we dont know what to do dont know all the ways they need our help and love. Dont know how to help from so far away. Dont know the days ahead and who will return again. I dont know what to do Lord, but you do. Help us, Lord, to do the things we know. So now, in the morning, I pray for Freddy and the boys. I keep up with them through Facebook (yes, they have Facebook). I ask them about their exams and how theyre doing at soccer. Our team keeps in touch with their new friends too, continuing conversations and finding creative ways to love. I know there are many others who will join us in

We know Jesus differently [now] as the light of the world...shining on a hilltop in a pitch black area.

The Family That Folds Together...

It was 1994 when Carita Hamilton first came to IBC. She was educating three children at home at the time, and was looking for a place where their family could learn how to have a relationship with Jesus that was more personal and alive. At the time, Caritas daughter Crysta was only a glint in her eye, but now she is a vibrant 3rd grader at Lively Elementary School in Irving. The Hamiltons first connected with Laundry Love when Carita struck up a friendship with Amy Glover, a co-teacher she met when they were serving together in the IBC childrens ministry. Amy regaled Carita with stories about the amazing success of Laundry Love up in Arkansas where she had been involved. Carita remembers how something clicked inside: I almost exploded with excitement! I told Amy that I have been feeling that the Lord wanted me to do something special for Him and as soon as she started talking about it, I knew this was it! Soon afterwards, Carita contributed money to the Glovers start-up fund, and the friends held their first Laundry Love event in April of 2011. Since then, Laundry Love has operated at Amigo Laundromat in Irving on the first Saturday of every month, providing free wash cycles and detergent to patrons. Volunteers have the opportunity to chat with and encourage the people they meet as the wash cycles spin. Week after week, both Carita and Crysta look forward to catching up with the regulars and doing their 8 a.m. prayer walk together at the laundromat. Meanwhile, Children at IBC have gotten on board the Laundry Love train through their regular KidVenture events. An opportunity for families to do service projects together around the community, KidVenture provides bonding time and meaningful ways to give back for both kids and parents. We realize that kids who are offered opportunities to serve before the age of 12 more often end up serving as adults, says Gary Lindsay, IBC Childrens Pastor. KidVenture is a hands-on opportunity to do just that. October 2012 was the first time KidVenture corralled kids and parents to volunteer with Laundry Love, and the Hamiltons were there. It was neat for Crysta and Carita to see other families joining the mission they loved so much and finding different ways to contribute. The kids make friends with the patrons kids, help people with their laundry, and sometimes hand out Chatter and other information that we have, says Carita. I remind the kids that what they do at Laundry Love is just as important as what the parents do.
Carita (center) working the assignment counter at Laundry Love.

Mom and daughter find a common mission in Laundry Love.

Now in 3rd grade, Crysta has been regularly involved for two years now, with no signs of giving up. Chatter had a few questions for her and for mom Carita.
Chatter Crysta, is it sometimes hard to give up a Saturday morning to do laundry with your mom? Crysta Not really cause I like Laundry Love!...and my mom. Chatter Carita, do you and Crysta have particular assignments when you go to Laundry Love? Carita I usually work at the assignment counter, which is where we assess each familys laundry and assign them different sized washers based on what they have while trying to keep it within the $15/family limit. I love to greet the patrons and I have a flair for organization especially as a mom who has done millions of loads of laundry!

Crysta helps to set everything up. She starts dryers for people and plays with the kids. She is very good with little ones and likes showing them around and finding something that they would like to do.She has always had a knack for helping antsy children feel more relaxed, and is also really good at answering questions about IBC.
Chatter Crysta, what would you say to other kids who might want to serve with their parents at Laundry Love? Crysta We would love to have you! You will have lots of fun! Chatter Carita, what is the best part about serving alongside your daughter at Laundry Love? Carita I love to see that serving God is a habit for her, not a burden. I know it is

something she will hold onto and continue doing.

Crysta helps make other kids feel welcome at Laundry Love.

Wash. Rinse. Repeat.

Join the Laundry Love cycle with your family next month!
The next Laundry Love/KidVenture is Saturday, November 2, from 9 a.m.noon.
Amigo Laundromat, 3349 Country Club Dr., Irving 75038. Visit llpirving.org or contact info@llpirving.org for more info.

Chatter | 6

The Isuzu Amigo was a small three-door SUV that debuted in 1989. It was sold as the Isuzu MU in Japan.

Huebsch is the worlds leading manufacturer of tumble dryers.

Call me Phelps. Michael Phelps.

Did the total desecration of your throw pillow really warrant this? Cant... move...our paws...

Tanker, Owner: Leah Thye

Macy & Mika, Owner: Heather Smartt

We are not amused.

Wanna make something of it?

ALL PETS

If youre looking for run-of-the-mill furry friends, youre barking up the wrong tree. IBC pets put the WOW in bow-wow.
Maggie, Owner: Amy Lanemann Mr. Puppy, Owner: Erin Bernhardt

are OFF

Once a rebel, always a rebel.

Promise me this: that youll fix the AC. Just do it already.

Were breaking down walls, one species at a time.

Reesie, Owner: Loren and Mason Macdonald

Moe, Owners: Ben Miller and Claire Miller

Pheona the Ferret and Sissy the Chihuahua Owner: Linda Goodson

Brighter Tomorrows

PURPLE PAW
benefitting Brighter Tomorrows

PROJECT
October 26, 10 a.m.1 p.m. Lively Park 909 OConnor Rd., Irving TX
IBC women at last springs Womens Bible Study raised almost $3,400 to have sturdy beds hand-made for the women and children at Brighter Tomorrows Irving shelter.

The ASPCA estimates that up to 48% of women stay in abusive situations longer because they fear for the safety and well being of their pets. Additionally, pets that live in domestic abuse situations are 11 times more likely to be abused as well.

The Purple Paw Project scheduled during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an event designed to raise awareness and community support for this important issue. The event will feature a variety of pet-friendly activities (dog training, pet costume contest, and more) along with domestic violence education and resources for the communities of Irving, Grand Prairie, and beyond. Attendees will also have the opportunity to get involved in Brighter Tomorrows efforts to end domestic violence and support victims pets by donating funds, offering to foster victims pets during their stay in our emergency shelters, and more. Brighter Tomorrows is an IBC partner committed to empowering victims of domestic and sexual violence in Dallas County by providing safe shelter, support services, and counseling for women and children. Visit brightertomorrows.net.

Boo, the Internet Pomeranian sensation, now has 7.3 likes on Facebook.

Chatter | 7

Josh Davenport is a former Army G-2 intelligence officer sent deep undercover to infiltrate The Brotherhood, a terrorist group whose goal is a New World Order under their sole control. Davenport is the only one standing between them and the political takeover of America. However, his cover is blown, and The Brotherhood orders his termination. Six years after the death of her husband, Jennie Davenport has finally rebuilt her life. Following a bizarre vision, she begins to suspect her husband is actually still alive. She swears she spoke to him, but was Josh real or a figment of her desperate imagination? Determined to find out if Josh is dead or alive, Jennie unknowingly jumps into the line of fire where every word she speaks is listened to and every move she makes is watched. The quest for the truth takes her from Dallas to New Orleans, Chicago, London, and even further, plunging her into the dark clutches of this odious group. The vision of her dead husband soon turns into a nightmare as Jennie becomes the Brotherhoods next target.* Nighttime was deliciously scary to the little girl who listened intently to Inner Sanctum, the 1941 radio mystery with the spine-chilling, creaking door. And, in the dark, she would make up her own stories!
How this book came to be

Book Summary

What are you reading these days? Novels? Novellas? Nonsense? Chatter loves to bring fresh new reads to your attention, and this time were taking it up a notch. Meet Betty, Scott, and Gloria three debut authors from the IBC family with new books out this year.
BETTY GROEZINGER The Davenport Dilemma Abbott Press (January 30, 2013) Genre: Fiction, Thriller, Suspense

I fell in love with the mysteries of Nancy Drew, Agatha Christi, Daphne du Maurier, and eventually John le Carre, Tom Clancy, and Robert Ludlum. I wanted to write, but I also wanted marriage and babies and they couldnt be postponed! The Davenport Dilemma actually had its inception in the 1950s when my husband Bill was a G-2 agent in the Army. He shared stories about covert groups, secret powers, and shadow governments. During that time, I was working for President Harry S. Truman. My imagination grew by leaps and bounds when I was introduced to the formidable Kansas City political machine. I realized then that the powers behind the throne were indeed real. All this rumbled around in my head for years. Finally, on another dark and scary night, the storyline came together by way of a dream, and I wrote the first draft. However, life continued to interfere, and it was more than ten years before it was finished. Persistence, dear fellow writers! I sincerely hope my readers will enjoy reading The Davenport Dilemma. Thats a given! But, I also want readers to think about this: Ralph Waldo Emerson says that Fiction reveals truth that reality obscures. Although my story is set in 1983, it touches on the truth of what is happening in our country today. A month before the books January 2013 debut, media started reporting inconsistencies within the NSA which are still under investigation. The NSA is a major part of my story, but there is no way I could have planned this timing. At the Womens Retreat last spring the speaker said, What the Lord starts in your youth, He will bring to completion in His timing. So persistence pays off there may be a reason why your dream project is being delayed!
I hope my readers will

Betty and her late husband Ray made IBC their home back in 1985. A native Dallas-ite, Betty worked as a legal researcher for the Harry S. Truman Library in Independence, Missouri, taught business classes at Rockhurst College in Kansas City, and spent many years working with advertising agencies. Her two children, four grandkids, and one great-grandson are celebrating the publication of her first novel at age 78. She is currently working on its sequel, The Davenport Daughters.

WRITERS WORKSHOP Saturday, October 12, 10 a.m. in the Alcove

For those who want to explore writing or just love to read. Come, listen, drink coffee, eat a goodie, talk a lot, and open your imagination to possibilities! Hosted by Donna OReilly and facilitated by Betty Groezinger.

Chatter | 8

A total of 526 episodes of Inner Sanctum were broadcast between 1941 and 1952.

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Agatha Christie is the best-selling novelist of all time.

SCOTT MCCLELLAN Tell Me A Story: Finding God (And Ourselves) Through Narrative Moody Publishers; New Edition (February 18, 2013) Genre: Nonfiction, Christianity

GLORIA FURMAN Glimpses Of Grace: Treasuring the Gospel in Your Home Crossway (May 31, 2013) Genre: Nonfiction, Christianity

Scott and his wife Annie have been IBCers for nine years and have been actively involved in Tapestry, IBCs ministry for adoptive and foster families (see article, pg. 10). Formerly the editor of Collide magazine and director of the Echo Conference, Scott currently serves as IBCs very own Communications Pastor. (No, this article was NOT his idea.) Scott and Annie have two daughters, Maggie and Elise. Jesus called his followers witnesses. We are, in fact,witnesses to his unfolding story. This story is not only our calling its the next generations best chance of identifying with the Church and changing the world. As we become storytellers, we learn to see the world in terms of stories being lived and told. We discover deeper insights into God, ourselves, and others. Through story we uncover a better framework for understanding abstract concepts such as purpose and conflict, as well as more concrete aspects of our lives such as work, technology, communication, and community. Story touches every part of our lives because its the form factor of our lives story is inside all of us, and were all inside a story.* I became a writer, in part, because I didnt know what to do with my life. I ended up making it through college with a History degree and a minor in Communications, both of which forced me to write quite a bit. Out of college I began working for a company that gave me opportunities to grow as a writer from writing packaging copy to running a print magazine a few years later. Later, a friend told his publisher about me, and they asked me to pitch a couple of book ideas. I told them about this storyteller idea I had about how seeing ourselves as storytellers changes the way we live. We turned the idea into a formal proposal, and a year later Tell Me a Story was released. I think I share the same hope of most authors: I hope my readers will see things differently than they did before. I truly believe that the frame of story can have a huge impact on us as followers of Christ, and I hope the book makes that case. Also, on a less serious level, I hope my readers will enjoy the book. I hope theyll laugh and cry and underline a passage or two. I hope theyll lose track of time while theyre reading. I hope theyll think of someone to whom theyd like to give the book as a gift. Those are a lot of hopes to put on a little book, but Im okay with that.
I hope my readers will How this book came to be Book Summary

In 2008, Gloria and her husband Dave moved away from their IBC family to plant Redeemer Church of Dubai. Now a mom to four young children, Gloria teaches Bible study classes, serves as the community doula, and edits the Domestic Kingdom blog (domestickingdom.com). Her second book, Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full: Gospel Meditations for Busy Moms, will be out in 2014. Sometimes life feels a lot like a burden day-in and day-out, its the same chores and tasks, challenges and discouragements, anxieties, and responsibilities. Dust bunnies show up on the stairwell, social commitments clutter the calendar, and our families demand daily attention and care. At times, just catching our breath seems like an impossible feat. So where is God in all of this? Does he care about the way we unload the dishwasher or balance the budget? Do the little things like changing diapers or cooking meals make a difference? And how can we use our spheres of influence for Gods glory and our joy?* When I was little, my parents kept me stocked with journals and pens, and later refurbished their old desktop computer so that I would have everything I needed to write. They bought batteries to replace the worn out batteries in the flashlights they bought me so that I could read books in my bed at night. And they helped keep me in good standing at the public library, reminding me to return borrowed books on time. I dont remember a time in my life when I wasnt writing something or dreaming up something to write. I wrote Glimpses of Grace because I wanted to remind myself (and others) of the supreme governing reality in our lives when we belong to Jesus that of being in Christ. Learning to cherish the gospel became key for me in beginning to understand this, and my home is the primary place I need to work that out. Taste and see that God is good, and yearn for more of him! My prayer is that my readers will recognize the stark reality that apart from Christ we can do nothing, and cherish the grace we receive through Jesus. Im praying that they will enjoy Gods grace upon grace in the glorious gospel. Because the more you taste and see of God, the more you want more of him, and you find that nothing else can satisfy you. * Summaries taken from Amazon.com.
I hope my readers will... How this book came to be Book Summary

It is estimated that Dubai produces 50,000 to 70,000 barrels of oil a day.

Chatter | 9

Fostering

Hope

ayla and Ryan North began their foster care journey in 2004 with the hope of adopting a baby, but God had a bigger plan in mind. Now blessed with four children through birth and adoption, the Norths understand the amazing ministry potential of foster care not just for children in care, but for birth families as well.

Foster care was never our plan. It seems so strange to say that now. With so much love to give, we felt adoption was how God was leading us to start our family. The problem was we didnt know where to begin. When we looked into international and private domestic adoption, both the cost and regulations seemed overwhelming. So we began to consider foster care adoption. As we listened to the presenters at a foster care informational meeting, it seemed clear that if we were looking to adopt a baby, we would need to foster first. So we changed our plan from straight adoption to foster-to-adopt. This seemed like a reasonable compromise. We thought we were doing what the Lord wanted us to do, but we had no idea what he had in store for us. Our first foster placement was a beautiful 5 lb, 4-month-old baby girl straight from the hospital. Nope, thats not a typo. She was by far the smallest baby we had ever held. Born as a 23-week micro-preemie, Tori was an amazing fighter and finally strong enough to go home. She was perfect and precious in every way to us. We immediately began talking about our plans for our newest family member our hopes and dreams for her and we thought the circumstances of her removal would make for a quick adoption. We look back and realize that our idealism was really divine protection. The next three years would prove to be very challenging as we spent a great amount of time in and out of doctors offices, hospitals, and courthouses. We spent many nights watching her sleep and wondering how many days we would have her in our home, wondering why this process was taking so long. We knew that God had brought us here for a reason, but we couldnt understand what he was doing. Maybe we didnt fully trust what he was doing. God used this time of waiting to do a beautiful, mysterious thing: we began building a relationship with Toris birth mom. As we spent more time with her we saw how much she loved Tori, and we realized that she needed love too. She was young and didnt have much support, so we found ourselves drawn to her and wanting what was best for her. It was obvious after about 18 months that things were not going to change to permanency anytime soon, so we reached out to her and invited her to spend two weeks in our home. During that time we began talking about what an open adoption might look like. This young mom was scared and knew she wasnt at a place she could be a parent to Tori, but she sincerely loved her and wanted what was best for her.

coming out that seemed irrational to us. He was loved and safe and well cared for, so what did he have to be scared of? We were having a crisis of confidence. We questioned how we should parent him and why things we had always thought would work didnt. We read popular parenting books and talked to other parents about how they dealt with similar situations, but kept finding that these things were not working for our boy. We loved him and wanted him to feel safe, but he didnt. Not long after we started our parenting journey, we got connected with Tapestry* here at IBC. Tapestry is a ministry that serves and supports adoptive and foster families, but for us it was more like a community a community that understood our family and our unique journey. We attended some Tapestry large group events and heard speakers talk about many different topics related to foster care and adoption. About three years ago we were invited to attend an intensive parent training called Empowered to Connect. It involved lots of reading and homework and weekly classes. It was a big investment, but well worth it. In fact, the training changed our lives. We began to understand so many of our kids behaviors and we began to see our children in a different light. We were now equipped with tools to help our kids feel loved, safe, and wanted. Many kids have come and gone over the years. Most were happily reunited with a relative. One little boy we fostered was only 11 months old when he came to us. What looked like a quick adoption was, after seven months, a reunification of the child with a relative that almost everyone involved had concerns would do a good job. As we packed up his belongings to send him back, we slipped our phone number in the bag with a note saying we would love to keep in touch. We didnt know if his caretaker would call. We had no idea how to reach her if she didnt call. We just prayed that he would be loved and protected and that just maybe we would see him again. About a week later, she called and invited us to come and see him in his new home. We gladly accepted. Many more invitations would come over the years. She texted a picture of him on his first day of preschool and has invited us to birthday parties. Weve met his extended family, and they all treat us as part of that family. This wasnt how we pictured our relationship with him would be, but God made it beautiful. Today we are the proud parents of four forever kids and two foster kids, and we have the privilege of serving other adoptive and foster families as part of the leadership team for Tapestry. We are so thankful for the journey God has brought us on and for all of the things he has taught us along the way. We never thought this was how God would use us. Had you asked us ten years ago if we would be foster parents, we would have adamantly told you no! and given you a list of reasons why that would not be a good idea. Wed get too attached. It would be too hard to love them and then let them go. The biggest thing God has taught us is that its not about us. God has called us to love these kids in a way their birth family couldnt, until hopefully they can once again. Hes invited us to care for vulnerable children. Hes asked us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Foster care stretches us, it challenges us, and it grows us because we get a front row seat to Gods faithfulness. Ryan and Kayla North have three dogs. One of them is named Presley. Ryan is pretty sure that Kayla agreed so that none of their daughters would be named after Elvis.
The Norths have opened their home to close to 30 foster children. Their children Tyler, Tori, Brooklyn, and Liberty have become a huge part of the ministry to these hurting children and their families. Ryan and Kayla write about the blessings and challenges of their parenting journey at onebighappyhome.com.

Two and half years after Tori was placed with us, Toris birth mom asked us to adopt her baby girl. We were there when she signed the relinquishment papers. We held her while she cried. God knew that we needed to see adoption not only from our perspective, but from hers as well. He showed us that there is so much more to each adoption story than just loving parents who want to grow their family and a child who needs a home. It was during those three years of waiting and wondering that we realized that God had not just called us to adopt, but to foster children even as we loved and prayed for their birth families. During this time of waiting, we got another call from our foster agency about a three-and-ahalf-year-old boy. He had been in another foster home and was now ready to be adopted. We had always planned on adopting a baby and had heard that adopting older kids was tough, but we trusted that God had brought this opportunity to us. Just a few months later, he came home to live with us. We soon realized some of the challenges of adopting a child who remembers life before our home, and saw many fears

The Norths: (Top, L to R) Tyler, Ryan, Kayla, Liberty (Bottom, L to R) Brooklyn, Tori

*Visit page 15 for Tapestry events this month.

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The Escobars connect with a special girl at Respite Care.

All in the Family

You may not recognize the name Al Scalpone, but you probably know the slogan

he penned back in the 1940s: the family that prays together stays together. This slogan is quoted often and is even mistaken for a verse of Scripture. And even though not from the pages of the Bible, its famous for a reason.

The Escobar family has their own version of the slogan, even though the rhyme is imperfect: the family that serves together stays together. Earl and Candace Escobar have three children: 10-year-old Owen, 8-year-old Ella and 7-year-old Annalise, and you will find all five of them serving together the last Saturday of every month at Respite Care. Respite Care is an event put on by IBCs Special Needs ministry that provides a much-needed night off for parents of kids with special needs while creating a fun and a safe environment for their children. The Escobar family has been coming to IBC for about two years now. They had been looking for a way to connect and a place where their family could serve together, and it was at the Propel class where Candace and Earl learned about IBCs Special Needs ministry. Candaces own mother is a special needs teacher, an example that inspired Candace to serve special needs children with her young family. Both Earl and Candace agree that its powerful to expose kids to service at an early age. Our children watch everything we do, explains Earl. Its important for them to see us serving and for them to see us as positive role models. Candace agrees, I feel so blessed each month to see our children interacting and loving these kids. To the younger Escobars, these kids are no different than them. As 8-year-old Ella so eloquently explains, Special needs kids are kids just like us! Big brother Owen shares her sentiment, saying he just enjoys seeing all the kids each month playing and having fun. Owen and his sisters have developed a special bond with one particular young girl, Nicole. Nine-year-old Nicole has Downs Syndrome and has been attending the Respite Care night out for about four years now. According to her mom Lori, Respite Care gives Nicole a safe, fun place to hang out with friends, a place where Nicole and other special needs kids are loved and accepted for who they are.

Make it more than a meal.

When you serve on an IBC meal team, youre making much more than a hot dinner for hungry people. Youre making community happen. Every week, hundreds of IBCers connect over the dinner table on Wednesday and Sunday nights students, seniors, families and Bible Communities share their lives, share a laugh, and leave satisfied. Get in the mix today. No special experience or skill necessary. If youre interested in serving on Wednesday nights, contact Bob at bdowney@irvingbible.org. For Sundays, contact Pat at pdoreilly@verizon.net.

Even when its hard to make the effort, the evening out is great for Nicole. Sometimes she can get overwhelmed, says Lori, but Respite Care provides a controlled environment where she can play, climb, and see some familiar faces. She also loves to spend time with kids her own age, which is probably why she enjoys seeing Owen and Ella. Owen says he looks forward to seeing Nicole because she is so joyful and fun to be around. Although the Escobar kids seem unaware of their act of service, the parents of the special needs children probably dont see it that way, at least not Lori. Every volunteer that comes to serve has a heart of compassion and a heart to share the love of Jesus, she says. I am so appreciative of this ministry and the people who love and accept our children. Candace Escobar sums her familys experience this way: Respite kids are so sweet. Just seeing the smiles on their faces and knowing that they feel loved by my family and all the other volunteers is an amazing blessing. Maybe the Escobar family knows the secret to keeping a family together after all. Peggy Norton, after hours of shopping, once had to call her husband to come help her find her car in the parking lot of Grapevine Mills.

A group from In His Image (a Bible study for adults with special needs) enjoying a Wednesday night dinner in The Commons.

Peggy is a communications professional with over 20 years of experience. She is also an IBC Small Group Leader.

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Al Scalpone was an advertising copywriter who penned his famous slogan as the motto for the Roman Catholic Family Rosary Crusade in 1947.

Tom Bosley, Jack Warden, and Jackie Gleason were all considered for the role of Archie Bunker in All In The Family.

Living Out Loud

My baptism represents a conscious decision to give myself back to Jesus.
Mark Stadler has believed in God and trusted Jesus from a very young age. He was born into a Catholic family, the 6th of eight children five older brothers and two younger sisters. Ten years before he was born, his oldest brother died, drowning in the Pacific Ocean, almost in the familys backyard. The impact was particularly devastating to his father, who started drinking heavily and growing distant from the family. Mark has no memories of his father engaging him when he was young they never played ball, fished, or rode bikes together and even though Mark knew and loved Jesus, he was drinking and smoking by the age of 12. At 13, Mark got a job and began using work as an excuse to stay away from home where arguments and bitterness prevailed. At 14, Mark was increasingly without direction in life and began making selfdestructive choices. Yet despite his difficult home life, Mark managed to put himself through college, become successful in business, marry the love of his life (for 35 years now) and have four wonderful children. Mark claims that Jesus has been lovingly guiding and healing him every step of the way, restoring his life and making good come out of bad. Now hes ready to give everything back. In his own words I have spent the better part of my 59 years walking this earth freely giving my problems to Jesus. Jesus, help me with this, or that. At times, I even made deals: Get me through this one and I will do blah, blah, blah. Jesus always came through. I didnt! Ive always just given him my problems, but I had never given myself to him. Now I realize that Ive totally missed the mark. Ive missed the most important request that God has made of me: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with your entire mind. You know the passage. Jesus words were in response to the Pharisees when they tried to trick him with the question, So, Jesus, what is the greatest commandment? Like the Pharisees, I had been focused on the commandments and not on him. My baptism represents a conscious decision to give myself back to Jesus. It is my outward and public demonstration, a stake-in-the-ground, a time to publicly acknowledge that I will now walk hand-in-hand with a heavenly father to the finish line the Father I have always wanted and have had all along! I am also doing this for my beautiful wife Jeannine, my children, my grandchildren, and the many children I have met through them. And for the several children I have adopted along the way young men and women who either lost or lacked a father figure in their lives. I have decided to live my life as a Christian out loud, freely, appropriately and openly being the hands and feet of Jesus as I share his Good News when I can. I want to listen intently for his guidance and prompting in my life. I want to set an example for people who look to me for leadership and support, and I want to ensure that my thoughts, words and deeds reflect the love, compassion and grace that Jesus has shown to me. Come celebrate Marks baptism and the baptism of many other IBCers in the Town Square on November 10.

Ready to take the next step in your faith?

If you have committed your life to Jesus and want to make a public profession of faith with the IBC family, we invite you to be baptized in the Town Square on November 10. A mandatory baptism class for all ages will be held on October 6, from 12:302 p.m. in West C & D. A light lunch will be served. Baptism Stories (interviews) will be held October 13 at 12:30 p.m. in the Alcove for students and adults; 5 p.m. for children. Sign up today at irvingbible.org/baptism.

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 the Scriptures and deepen your faith, this class is for you. The Tree 9 a.m. West D 20s & 30s, married & young families The Tree is a community for young marrieds and young families looking to grow together in faith and marriage. Crossroads 10:45 a.m. West C Married late 20s and 30s Join us as we explore the apologetics series, Beyond Opinion by Ravi Zacharias. Journey 10:45 a.m. The Alcove All Welcome Join us for relaxed fellowship centered on Bible-oriented lessons, interpersonal relationships, table discussions, and prayer. On Track 10:45 a.m. Conference Room Single Parents If you are a single parent or a blended family, please join us for Bible study, fellowship and prayer. Thrive 10:45 a.m. West D Singles in their 30s & 40s Join us as we explore the book of Ephesians and how it encourages believers to live mature, holy lives that honor God. Renew 10:45 a.m. Training Center Diverse, all ages and stages Join us we explore Francis Chans Crazy Love. Legacy Builders 6:45 p.m. West A All Welcome Join us for fellowship, prayer, and in-depth Bible teaching as we study the book of Romans in October.

Love Project. If your family would like to find out more or volunteer for an upcoming LLP event, please visit llpirving.org. See article, pg. 6. Contact children@irvingbible.org.

aftermath of abortion. For information, contact Kym at (972)560-4632 or kyeichner@irvingbible.org.

Recovery at IBC Thursdays, 6:308:30 p.m. West Wing Youth Lounge Do you deal with perfectionism, pride, overeating, inappropriate anger or control? Recovery is confidential, and all are welcome. Grace for the Wounded Thursdays, 6:308:30 p.m. A confidential small group ministry that explores the wounds we have received and the healing journey Gods prepared for us. Female group currently offered. Contact graceforthewounded@irvingbible. org to register. NAMI Family-to-Family Class Mondays, 6:309:30 p.m. West B 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. Shelter from the Storm A confidential small group focused on finding hope and healing from sexual abuse. We offer groups for both teens and adults. Contact Michelle at shelterfromthestormibc@ gmail.com or (214) 725-0898. Mental Health Grace Alliance Every other Monday, 6:30 p.m. West C The Living Grace Group For those who have mental illness. Contact Melissa Clark at melisser34@yahoo.com.

Men

Community and Resources

Father/Daughter Campout October 1920 See ad, pg. 16. First Watch Fridays, 6:22 a.m. The Commons Join the ranks of Men at IBC who are steadily moving towards Christ and making an eternal difference. First Watch Xtra Meets Wednesdays at 6:30 a.m. in the Training Center.

Connect

Events and Resources for Newcomers and Small Groups

Newcomer Gathering October 20, 12:30 p.m. The Alcove Come find out more about IBC, meet Pastor Andy, staff, and other newcomers. Children are welcome. Please see ad, pg. 17. Launch Pad Sundays, 9 a.m. begins October 13 West C Launch Pad is a place for people who are registered for small groups, but have a few weeks to wait before being placed. Contact Sara at staylor@irvingbible.org.

Visit irvingbible.org/men for more info.

Mission

Local and Global

Brighter Tomorrows Purple Paw Project October 26, 10 a.m. Join us for a variety of pet friendly activities and learn more about domestic violence. See ad, pg. 7. Prayer Meeting 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, The Chapel 6:458 p.m. 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. See article, pg. 6.

Faith and Belief

Events and Resources
The Table October 2, 6:30 p.m. OR October 6, 9 a.m. Mens Conference Room Join us as we talk about faith and explore the hard questions of life. Contact Jason at jstein@irvingbible. org. See ad, pg. 17. Membership Class October 13 & 20, 10:45 a.m. West A If you are interested in becoming a member at IBC, this class is for you. To register, visit irvingbible.org/ connect. Contact Donna OReilly at doreilly@irvingbible.org. See ad, pg. 17. Baptism November 10 Mandatory class for all ages on October 6, 12:302 p.m. in the Alcove. A light lunch will be served. Please visit irvingbible. org/baptism to register. Contact Donna OReilly at doreilly@ irvingbible.org. See article, pg. 13.

Family Grace Group For family members, friends, and caregivers who support individuals with serious mental disorders. Contact Buzz Moody at myrabuzz@ gmail.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, or if you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, contact stephenministry@irvingbible.org.

Parenting

Events and Resources

Shop Talk November 10, 6:45 p.m. The Alcove Watch Chatter for more details.

Please visit page 18 for more Sunday Bible Communities.

Visit irvingbible.org/parenting for more info.

Children

Hope & Healing

Community Care
Griefshare Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. West C Join a caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of lifes most difficult experiences. You dont have to walk through the journey alone. KidZone is available with prior registration. Contact Sharon at shararrington@verizon.net. Abortion Recovery Counseling One-on-one, confidential counseling for those living with the

Infants Through 5th Grade

Zone 6:30 Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. A small group exploration of the Bible and Gods story. For kids K-5th grade. MyZone Wednesdays, 6:308:30 p.m. Zone/Zone Jr. A mid-week event for kids thats great for bringing friends. K-5 grade. Laundry Love In October Children at IBC is collecting quarters to support Laundry

Seniors Marriage
Growing Together
Marriage at IBC October 6, 9 a.m. High School Room Marriage at IBC will kick off October 6.

For Folks Ages 55+

Potluck lunch and fellowship October 20 West C Join us immediately following the 10:45 a.m. service. Bring a dish to share. Christian Travel Fellowship George W. Bush Library Tour November 6 Join us for a tour of the library, bus trip, and lunch at the library. Meet at 9 a.m. at IBC. Cost: $52. Contact

Visit irvingbible.org/marriage for more info and to register.

Chatter | 14

Sue Gordon at suegordon7@gmail. com before October 16 to register. Please contact ssharp@irving.bible.org.

IBC College Ministry Sundays at 3:30 p.m. The Commons Annex Passion Conference 2014 The college group at IBC will be attending Passion 2014 in Houston, TX, February 14-15.

Sit with us on Sunday! Join us before the 10:45 a.m. service in The Mo. We will sit together in the lower left-hand section facing the stage.

Miscellaneous
A Little Bit of Everything
Writers Workshop Saturday, October 12, 10 a.m. The Alcove Join us for a writers workshop for those who want to explore writing, or just love reading. Facilitated by Betty Groezinger and hosted by Donna OReilly. Contact Donna at doreilly@irvingbible.org. NICHE (North Irving Christian Home Educators) Monday, October 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Alcove Join us as education expert, Kathe Lee, will present her Love to Learn lecture series. Reservations required please email Sandy at board@ texasniche.com. No childcare available. Visit texasniche.com. IBC Saturday Crop October 19, 9 a.m.8 p.m. Training Center Join us for an all-day crop event. There will be plenty of space to scrap, crop, trim, stamp, organize, etc. Everyone welcome, from semipro to digital scrappers. Contact Nikki at nikkiscraps@verizon.net. New Arrivals Congratulations to the following families on the births of their children:

Visit irvingbible.org/youngadults.

Single Parents

Community and Resources

Kids Night Out Saturday, October 19, 69 p.m. The Zone Join us for a Fear Factor themed KNO. See ad, pg. 16. Sit with us on Sunday! Several single-parent families enjoy worshiping together in the 9 a.m. service. Join us in the lowest righthand section, Rows 5 & 6, facing the stage.

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

2435 Kinwest

Wednesday Nights at IBC

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

WOMEN

Community and Resources

Womens Fall Bible Study Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. Join us for Ephesians: Discovering Your Identity and Purpose in Christ.

Special Needs

Community and Resources

In His Image Bible Study Wednesdays, 6:307:45 p.m. Training Room A small group for adults (18+) with special needs. Special Needs Support Group Wednesday nights, 6:307:45 p.m. The Conference Room Contact Lori at lorikuy@gmail.com. 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/women.

Tapestry

Adoptive and Foster Families

2013 Tapestry Adoption and Foster Care Conference October 25-26 Join us for big questions, honest answers, and real hope. For event details and registration, visit tapestryconference.org. Empowered to Connect Training for Adoptive/Foster Parents Weekly classes for adoptive/foster families. Please register by emailing Amy Curtis at acutis@irvingbible. org. Waiting Families Group October 5 & October 26, 7 p.m. For families awaiting placement in the adoption or foster care process. Teen Adoptee/Parent Support Group Sunday, October 27, 5 p.m. A support group for teens (12-18) and parents of adopted teens.

Brian and Tanya Severski and their son Aaron Thomas, born June 18 at 7 lbs and 19.5 inches. Cesar and Allison Lopez and their daughter Elena Lucia, born August 3 at 8 lbs, 3 oz and 20 inches.

Contact specialneeds@irvingbible.org.

Students

Middle/High School and College

Middle School Fall Retreat October 1822 Register at irvingbible.org/students. 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, 6:308 p.m. High School Sundays Life Groups Student Ministry area, 6:458 p.m. High School Wednesdays SWAG 7:158:30 p.m. The Alcove Teen Recovery Monday Nights, 67:30 p.m. Zone, Jr. Teen Recovery is a safe and confidential environment for middle and high school students to identify and share their pain and struggles. Contact Trey at tgrant@irvingbible.org.

Visit 2435kinwest.org.

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

Reaching Out
to Our Hindu Neighbors
Saturday, Nov. 2, 9 a.m.12 p.m.
Because IBC is located in one of the most diverse cities in the United States, we have the opportunity to reach the globe without leaving our community. And although we are surrounded by glimpses of their culture, most of us know little about our Hindu neighbors. Join IBC as we learn about Hindu beliefs and culture and discuss how we can better reach out to our Hindu friends, neighbors, and coworkers.

Young Adults
20s and Early 30s
The Gathering Thursdays, 7 p.m. The Alcove So often our world perceives Christians and Christianity as narrow minded, outdated, irrelevant, and judgmental. Perhaps thats why so many are losing our religion.But if Jesuss message was so revolutionary that he compelled kings, commoners andcriminals throughout the centuries to forsake it all and follow him, then maybe there is something to his message after all.

Chatter | 15

LIFELONG MEMORIES
Father/Daughter Campout October 1820 Hiking, Smores, Campfires Lake Murray, Oklahoma
Want some quality time with your daughter? Take her camping! The fourth annual Father/Daughter Campout is coming back to Lake Murray, just a short drive over the border to Oklahoma. During this weekend you will have a chance to enjoy time away from everything electronic, provide space for meaningful conversations with your daughter and other dads, and give your little girl a blessing of affirmation in front of the other campers that she will never forget.

Fear Factor
Kids Night Out
Saturday, October 19 69 p.m. in The Zone
Snakes, spiders, and bugs oh my! Enjoy an evening of fun with Wildlife on the Move, plus crafts, movie time, pizza and more! Register at irvingbible.org/singleparents. Questions? Contact Jennifer at jerlenbusch@irvingbible.org.

for single-parent families

Cost: $45 for dads and $25 for daughters

Registration: irvingbible.org/men or the kiosk in Town Square on Sundays

MISSION

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 12:302 P.M. WEST A&B

Lets get down to business. After this summers re-visioning of Mission at IBC, the department staff will be following up with an opportunity for you to hear specifics about the global and local work that IBC is pursuing and how you can get involved. Bring your questions for a time of Q&A. Let us know youll be there: Contact Lauren at lmoussa@irvingbible.org.

LUNCH

POP QUIZ
4. Mercy ________ 5. ALAR__ 6. __________ Promise 7. ______ Bible College

IBC PARTNER

Fill in the blanks with the missing letters and words of all 16 IBC partners. 1. Laundry _______________ 2. New Friends _______ ________ 3. ___________ Tomorrows
Bring this ad in for a chance to win dinner and a movie for two at the AMC Cinema Suites (a $75 value) with Mission Pastor Brent McKinney and his wife Tracy. Or ditch the pastor and make it a date night with just you and your special someone. Your call!

8. Hosean ______________ Ministries 9. _______Liberia 10. SEEK __________ International 11. Harvest __________ Romania 12. __utch 13. Help for Christian ____________ 14. My Refuge _______ 15. ___________ is Basic 16. __________Works

Need a night out on the town?

Correctly fill out this pop quiz and bring your complete answers to the Mission Lunch for a chance to win dinner and a movie.

Newcomer Gathering
Come find out more about IBC, meet other Newcomers like yourself and discover how to get plugged in! Meet Pastor Andy as well as the elders of the church, and interact with many of our staff and teaching team. A light snack will be provided in addition to an optional tour of IBC. Children are welcome to attend with their parents (KidZone is also available). We will be changing the format for Newcomer Gathering to once a month in order to accommodate more people. It will be held every month on the 3rd Sunday of each month from 12:30-1:30 p.m.
When: Sunday, October 20 Time: 12:301:30 p.m. Location: The Alcove KidZone available Register: Visit irvingbible.org/ newcomergathering Questions? Contact Sherri Sharp at ssharp@irvingbible.org or (972) 5604614.

Do you have serious questions about Christianity?

At IBC we seek to foster an open, relaxed environment where you can talk candidly about faith and ask the hard questions of life. The Table is a place where your questions are invited and your doubts are welcomed. Come explore Christianity with others on a similar journey.
Seating is limited. Register at irvingbible.org/thetable or at the kiosk in the Town Square on Sundays. Class Dates: Oct 2-30 at 6:30 p.m. (Wednesday nights) in the Living Room.

Oct. 13 & 20 10:45 a.m. West A&B

M e mbe rs h i p at I B C

Class Dates: Oct 6-Nov 3 at 9 a.m. (Sunday mornings) in the Living Room. Each of the five sessions focuses on a specific objection to the Christian faith. Questions? Contact jstein@irvingbible.org.

Membership Orientation Oct. 13, Membership Storytelling Oct. 20

If IBC is your church home and you are interested in becoming a member, this two-part event is for you. Come the first week and get to know elders, learn more about our core beliefs, and discover what membership is all about. If you are ready to take the next step, come the following week to share your own story of faith and complete the membership process. For more information contact Donna OReilly at doreilly@irvingbible.org. Register at irvingbible.org/connect.

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
2435 Kinwest Medical Clinic Volunteers Our weekly medical clinic is in need of professional health care providers (MD, PA, FNP) to provide treatment for our patients. Volunteers do not need to serve every week. Contact Charles at cpierce@2435clinic.org. Tapestry Volunteers Tapestry, IBCs foster and adoption ministry, is in need of volunteers. Contact Amy Curtis at acurtis@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. Lawyers Needed ALARM (African Leadership and Reconciliation Ministries) is looking for lawyers to be agents of Gods leadership, reconciliation and justice. Contact melodymgranados@ gmail.com. Mentor Kids in Single-Parent Families Men and women are needed for gender specific mentoring of children from single-parent families. Contact Marsha at mtribbett@irvingible.org. Visitor Follow-Up Team (Rex Greenstreet Ministry) We are looking for a volunteer to make calls or send welcome emails (or both) to visitors each week that are new at IBC. Training and coaching will be provided. For more info, contact Sherri at ssharp@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

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. Special Need Volunteers There any many opportunities from once a month to every Sunday to volunteer with the special needs ministry. Contact Shannon at specialneeds@irvingbible.org.

Third Worship Service: 5 p.m.

Childrens Classes (all ages)

My Resources
Clothing for Brighter Tomorrows The women of Brighter Tomorrows are in need of undergarments (bras and panties) and sweatpants. New items only please. Please drop all donations in the box in the donation area by the Training Center. Contact Marjorie at brightertomorrows@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 http://llpirving.org or contact info@ llpirving.org. Online Giving Option If you would find it more convenient to donate to the ministries of Irving Bible Church online, visit irvingbible.org/give.

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

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

sunday Community Meals

Join us in the Town Square for our community meal on Sundays at 6 p.m. Meals are $3 per person or $10 max./family. 10/6 Pizza, breadsticks, salad bar. 10/13 Beef fajitas, chips and salsa, salad bar. 10/20 Burgers and brats, chips, salad bar. 10/27 Giant baked potatoes with all the fixins, chili, salad bar. If youd like to serve on a Sunday night meal team, contact Pat OReilly at (214) 289-6176 or sundaynightmeal@irvingbible.org.

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

Wednesday Midweek Meals

Each Wednesday night from 5-6:20 p.m., IBC prepares dinner for anyone wanting a good, hot meal. PB&J sandwiches are also available. Cost is $3/meal or $10 max./family. Just come by The Commons and grab a plate! 10/2 Baked potatoes with all the fixings, salad, dessert. Hosted by Lavern Howells team. 10/9 Lasagna, breadsticks, salad, dessert. Hosted by Karen Rail and Bob Downeys team. 10/16 Chopped BBQ sandwiches, beans, cole slaw, dessert. Hosted by Marlene Brittons tam. 10/23 Baked ham, scalloped potatoes, mixed veggies, salad, dessert. Hosted by Pat Downeys team. 10/30 Enchiladas, tacos, refried beans, chips and salsa, freshly baked cookies. Hosted by Barbara Witte's Team Changes to the menu may be made depending on food cost, availability, and Bob Downeys whim. If youd like to serve on a Wednesday night meal team, please email bdowney@irvingbible.org.

New to IBC?
Have questions? Were here to help.
irvingbible.org/connect

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

Information Center

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: 8:30 a.m.5 p.m. Wednesday: 8:30 a.m.7 p.m. Friday, Saturday: 8:30 a.m.12 p.m. Sunday: 8 a.m.12:30 p.m. & 47 p.m. Phone: (972) 443-3323

Connect with others on the journey.

irvingbible.org/smallgroups

Small Groups

Chatter | 18

year of our Lord Vader 36, my eldest loinfruits, Gideon and Charlotte, have been official kindergarten students for two and a half weeks. So far, so good. Neither has relinquished their nascent grasps on Christianity to please the Secular Man and his agency of choice, the Public School System. Nor have I been permitted to attend a PTA meeting for reasons the previous sentence should make obvious. All in all, a successful start to what could be 13, 17, 21 or 25 years of schooling if neither of the nuts manages to code the next Angry Birds or the Academic-Government Axis of Debt doesnt collapse under its own bloat. I commenced my extremely undergraduate career in the fall of 0 L.V. (1977). So whereas Gideon and Charlotte have no real point of reference for how kindergarten could or should be, I am in the fortunate position of having one-and-a half score plus one years of accumulated wisdom and yellowed memories with which to compare the gartening experience of the disco era to that of today. See, in my day, after Id awoken at 3:30 a.m. to milk the neighbors cats, wed tromp off to the bus stop where a diesel-spewing bus would haul us off to the education facility even though it (the bus) contained no seat belts or anti-lock brakes, and its sole infotainment system was a fourth-grader named Toots who could play Yankee Doodle with his armpit. My kids, by contrast, enjoy no such wonders of mass transit as our school district doesnt bother operating a bus fleet. Instead, my wife gets to load up the chitlins even the one who doesnt yet go to school for a six-minute round trip that somehow takes 30 minutes. But at least our property taxes are as high as they were in Texas. Bonus! My mom recently sent a photograph from my first day of kindergarten, back when I was footloose and afro-free (my hair didnt turn in upon itself until the third grade). This photo taught my children a valuable lesson in deciding when is and is not the appropriate time to laugh at Daddy. Because even though I was stylin and possibly profilin in my KC Royals shirt and striped white socks, I also schlubbed my school supplies in a large, brown, paper grocery sack. Probably made from old growth forests that were cut down for a parking lot. Suddenly this column is a Joni Mitchell song. Anyway, the spawn, naturally, have backpacks. I had a backpack in school, too. High school. Not kindergarten. What do they need backpacks for in kindergarten? The kids are barely four feet tall, yet are expected to schlep around a

SPAWNDERGARTEN

As I write this in late August, in the

fabric container nearly 3/4 their own heights on the off chance a memo gets sent home to mom and dad. Or are the backpacks just an extra vessel for the ginormous lunch bags the modern child now requires? Full of plasticlidded containers divided into sections for sandwiches, Nutella, chips, fruit, Nutella, antipasto, scones, Nutella-flavored pudding and salisbury steaks, these contraptions are light years ahead of the plastic Glad bags with the impossible-to-fold-over tops my lunches were housed in. They keep food from getting squashed while giving Daddy something constructive to do (wash them/lick out the Nutella) instead of getting into trouble out on the mean streets of the sofa. Ive also noticed that school today is much more about shared responsibilities than back when polyester ruled the pants. The school district provides a building structure loosely formed in the shape of a mid-century fallout shelter and some teachers, and we, the parents, provide the children and 85% of classroom supplies. Because if youre already buying a box of crayons, pair of scissors, Big Chief tablet (sorry, Native American CEO of WinStar Resorts tablet), some tissues, pencils and paste, why not buy a dozen of each and spread the love? Ive yet to decide if this mass-sharing plan is meant to indoctrinate the children into sympathizing with socialistic tendencies, or as a real-life example of how collectivism ultimately leads to shared misery for all. Again, Im not allowed at PTA meetings. My kids do actually appear to be learning things, which I believe is an improvement over my own experience. I recall kindergarten as a land overflowing with milk and cookies and naps that was over before lunch yet still caused me to miss The Price is Right. We may have learned to use a telephone. Gideon and Charlotte, who already know how to navigate an iPhone better than you do, attend full-day kindergarten. Except on Wednesdays when school lets out early just to show working parents whos really in charge. I was informed that by the end of the school year, theyll be able to assemble their own lasers using lenses they ground themselves from pebbles found on the playground. Although I think that was in an email I sent to myself. Yet, despite the educational evolutions of the past three and a half decades, it is nice to know that some things remain the same. Namely, the delicious, delicious taste of Elmers. Especially when mixed with Nutella. Jason Fox still raises his hand to go to the restroom.
Jason Fox is a writer and advertising enthusiast formerly based in Dallas but now raking leaves in Omaha. The one in Nebraska.

Italys first, and only, cat milking facility is located in the town of Rosaneto.

Joni Mitchell bought herself a ukulele in 1957.

Since 1956 The Price is Right has had three hosts, Bill Cullen, Bob Barker, and Drew Carey.

Chatter | 19

The Laukoter family, after defacing public property (in Chatters name), long I-40 outside of Amarillo at Cadillac Ranch.

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.