AUGUST 2014

Some of you went to the mountains this summer. If youre reading this in August, I
myself might be looking at a mountain right about now. Mountains are unapologetic, arent
they? Big old beautiful temper tantrums on the bald face of nature. Stark, treacherous, BIG.
And in the Bible, big things happen on mountains.
For one, Moses got the law of God on a mountain. Mount Sinai was foreboding and dark,
covered with the cloud of Gods terrible glory. With a lowered voice deep as magma God
warns the people, Be careful that you do not approach the mountain or touch the foot of it.
Whoever touches the mountain is to be put to death. (Exodus 19:12)
Yikes. Maybe we should back up a second.
Its important to remember the timeline: God delivers the nation of Israel out from under
400 years of Egyptian slavery; God parts the Red Sea, vanquishing Israels enemies and
delivering the people up onto dry land; God provides water and food in the unforgiving
wasteland. This story is all about GOD and FREEDOM for his people. And then we come
to a mountain where nobody BUT God and his friend Moses may inhabit; a place where
freedom seems ready to be squished under a limestone slab of Levitical law. The 10-Com-
mandment-Handof is ready to commence.
Fast-forward to another mountain, many centuries later. This mountain is in Israel, but
there are no prohibitions, no warnings of doom. Its positively covered with people. And God
is there with them yet again, but this time he sits down WITH them face-to-face and hands
of a wholly diferent kind of law. Enter Jesus and his mountain sermon.
He begins:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
He goes on. He talks about rules addressed in Moses law: no murder, no divorce. But he
takes them even higher than Mount Sinai; he takes them of the stone tablet and into the
heart. Angry at your brother? You might as well be murdering him. Lusting after a woman?
You might as well have committed adultery with her.
Yikes.
Jesus mountain is a nicer setting and hes a more hospitable host, but his message is
harsher than the one for Moses: not only are there rules, but there is no way youll be able to
keep them.
Ive always been interested in how Jesus begins his sermon with the bit about the poor in
spirit, the mourners, and the meek. With all that is to come about keeping the spirit of the
law in addition to the letter, you would think he would begin with blessing those who are
strong in spirit. Those who are holy, triumphant over sin. For theirs would be the kingdom
of heaven, right? But he doesnt do that. He blesses the wretched.
The poor, the sad, the humble.
Who wants to be poor, sad and humble? Not me. Along with everyone else on my Facebook
newsfeed, I want to be rich, happy and self-assured. Why would Jesus consider poor, sad,
humble people to be blessed? Perhaps its more to do with inner vacancy than outward
need. Perhaps Jesus is describing a person whos been emptied of their own aggrandized
sense of goodness; a girl with mismatched moral socks, a raggedy, bereaved bundle of failed
spirituality.
All our righteousness is as lthy rags, says Isaiah the prophet. The person who feels that,
who cringes with the grime of it against their skin, is blessed.
Why?
Because futility is the nal stop before freedom. Your eforts come to nothing; your little
ailing heart is incompatible with life. But never fear. This story is all about GOD and
FREEDOM for his people. It was never about You and Your Great Life.
And I really mourn Me and My Great Life. I remember it wistfully. How rich I was in Being
Nice. How pretty my clothes were, how shiny my hair, how condent my smile. Pretty as a
paper doll, never seeing the rags, never seeing my distended stomach. And now I see it; I see
it ALL (well, maybe God alone sees it ALL), and although Im not quite feeling blessed just
yet, theres a growing sense of release within me. The quietude of poverty, loss.
Its here in this empty state where I look up to the once-stark mountain and join the Psalm-
ist, singing, Where does my help come from? (Ps. 121:1)
And the answer: my help comes from the Lord the innite helper, as Charles Spurgeon
calls him the maker of heaven and earth. The unapologetic maker of true wealth, true
happiness, true assurance; who writes himself large along the tiny breadth of our lives.
a letter from
Chatter
Why are we here?
IBC is on a journey committed to life transformation through Jesus Christ. We engage
this journey by growing in Christ, connecting in community, and joining the mission.
This commitment comes from Jesus words in the Great Commandment
(Matthew 22:36-39) and Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).
Thanks for picking up Chatter. Chatter is a publication of Irving Bible Church in Irving, Texas.
Editor Julie Rhodes
Art Direction, Design & Goodness
Josh Wiese, Lindsey Sobolik, JD Lemming
Admin Extraordinaire
Victoria Andrews
Pastor to Hashtags
Scott McClellan, Communications Pastor
Photography
Tanzania Mission Team (Photo Update)*
Writers
Cheryl Hume (Small Groups)*
Jason Fox (Idle Chatter)*
Julie Rhodes (Mentoring)
Megan Foreman (Chatter Facts)*
Ryan Sanders (Radio Sudan)*
Victoria Andrews (The Gatehouse)
Editorial Assistance/Proong
Summer Alexander*, Annie Stone*
Thoughts, comments, ideas?
Contact Chatter at chatter@irvingbible.org.
Need Chatter Digitally?
Chatter is on the web at irvingbible.org/chatter.
*Most beloved and indispensable Chatter Volunteer.
Irving Bible Church: a community on a journey.
Contact IBC
Irving Bible Church | 2435 Kinwest Pkwy, Irving, TX 75063 | (972) 560-4600
Web irvingbible.org | Twitter @ibcvoice | Facebook irvingbible
Sign up for the IBC eLetter, a weekly email update for key ministry event informa-
tion and announcements, along with a short devotional by Pastor Andy to encourage
you on your journey week-to-week. Subscribe today at irvingbible.org/eletter.
New to IBC? Turn to page 18.
How do we do this?
Growing in Christ
At the heart of the journey is the gospel of Jesus Christ, the story of the Son of
God coming into our dark world to bring light, life, hope and transformation. The
journey begins when we trust Christ, but it doesnt end there. Gods desire for each
of us is for our hearts and lives to become more like the one who has saved us
(Ephesians 4:11-13).
Connecting in Community
The gospel story draws us into a community of people whose lives have been trans-
formed by Jesus. This journey is not one that we undertake alone. We are designed
to do life together as a community of Christ-followers. It is essential that we walk with
one another on the journey (John 13:34-35).
Joining the Mission
The gospel tells us that one day God will take all that is broken in this world and
make it whole. Those of us who are on the journey together are called to be people
who do what we can to make glimpses of that day show up in our day. We do this
by telling the gospel story and demonstrating gospel-shaped love to a needy world
(Matthew 28:18-20).
Photo Update:
Tanzania Mission Trip
A team of IBC families traveled to Tanzania last month to
encourage and support children sponsored by IBC through
Compassion International. The group also served at a local
pre-school for at-risk children, where five of the kids put
their faith in Christ. Continue to pray for Compassion kids
Khatibu, Pili, Asia, Elizabeth, and Hawa (who also trusted
Jesus as her savior during the visit!).
Chatter | 4
THERE ARE
a lot of things changing the nation of South Su-
dan right now war, a coup, tribal conict, the
formative stages of a democratic government, the mash-up of poverty with
a growing economy. No one knows for sure what kind of nation all of these
dynamics will produce, but the suitcase will guarantee that at least part of the
nation will know the gospel.
Before you learn about the suitcase, you have to learn about Mike Gwartney.
Mike is Old School IBC. He started attending in July 2001. For 7 1/2 years, he
was on staf as the Arts Integration Director. Mike has a career in broadcast
television. He knows how to produce stuf and send it over airwaves.
In January 2013, Water Is Basic President Steve Roese asked Mike to do
some research about radio in South Sudan. Since Water Is Basic was birthed
by IBCers in 2006 the organization has drilled more than 500 wells and
become actively involved in the nation-building efort there. Because the lit-
eracy rate is so low, and because radios are ubiquitous, Roese saw radio as an
efective way of not just spreading the gospel, but also educating the populace
and blessing the culture. It didnt take much research for Mike to determine
that it was possible to create a Christian radio station in South Sudan, but
very expensive.
I was thinking a big station KLTY for South Sudan, Mike said. And it was
going to take $100,000 to build it.
By March, Bishop Taban (read more about him in a minute) had a license.
Then they asked Mike to go build a radio station. This was the rst step of
faith for Mike and his wife Cheryl. He had left IBC staf in May 2011 to work
with a TV station in Dallas, but the station was sold and left Mike unem-
ployed. Undertaking a $100,000 fundraising efort seemed like a big task even
for someone with a steady paycheck. For the Gwartneys, it seemed impos-
sible. Mike credits Cheryl as the faithful one.
I had made one trip over there and things had started to line up for this radio
station and Cheryl said, You know, this Africa thing is working better than
anything else youre doing. And if you tried to do all that travel with a regular
job, it wouldnt work. Why dont you just go build a radio station?
And so, in July of last year, Mike found himself on a hill outside of Lainya,
South Sudan, marking coordinates for a transmission tower with his GPS.
Except it wasnt that easy. He almost didnt make it.
The other character in this story is Bishop Elias Taban, founder of the
Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Sudan and one of the co-founders of
Water Is Basic. A child-soldier-turned-evangelist, Bishop Taban has become
a national leader in Sudan. In September, he received the Global Citizen
Award from the Clinton Foundation for his eforts to promote peace. Bishop
Taban operates from a small collection of buildings in Yei, South Sudan that
includes a church, a medical clinic, a restaurant, a school, a trucking company,
and a few guest houses. Mike calls this Bishops Compound, and it was the
place he needed to go last July to scout the best available spots for transmis-
sion towers.
To save on cost, Mike had booked a trip with stops in Houston, London, Qatar,
Uganda (Entebbe), and nally Yei, South Sudan. But he was delayed before
he ever left Dallas which led to an overnight in Houston. He called Cheryl
from the airport there and they talked about giving up. He remembers saying,
Maybe I should just come home.
But he didnt. Instead, he made it to Africa a day later than planned, on com-
pletely diferent ights. The ight from Entebbe to Yei only happens three
times per week, so when Mike arrived a day late, he had to wait two more days
to get to Yei. A government ofcial had granted a parcel of land to build the
station in Lainya, a small town about halfway between Yei and the capital in
Juba. It would have been the perfect place for a big transmission tower. The
roads to get there were very rough and Mike is given to motion sickness. On
the way back to Yei, after he had marked the best positions with his handheld
GPS, being bounced and jostled along rutted muddy tracks, and operating
on very little sleep, Mike felt terrible. At several stops he got out of the car
intending to throw up. And, as best he can gure, on one of those occasions,
he let the GPS fall out of the car.
Mike didnt even realize it was missing until he was back in Yei. At that point
he realized the entire trip the motion sickness, the scouting of free land
in Lainya, the days-long delays was all for nothing. It was almost like this
wasnt supposed to happen, Mike said. At least not that way.
Mike had been reading about a new kind of compact radio transmitter being
used by emergency response teams after natural disasters. Agencies like
FEMA and the UN were setting up temporary radio stations to broadcast
information about relief resources. These compact radio stations were de-
signed by engineers in Toronto, and included everything needed to create
a radio station in a 22-inch cubic box. They were calling them suitcase
radio stations.
THIS IS A STORY
ABOUT A SUITCASE
THAT IS CHANGING
A NATION.
The town of Yei was born
when British missionaries
built a small medical clinic
there in 1917.
Chatter | 5
Five months after Mikes wasted trip, ghting broke out in South Sudan. The
president accused the vice president of an attempted coup. There were all the
beginnings of a full-scale tribal war and there were thousands of people living
in a displacement camp in Bor.
I remember it was December 19, four days after the war started, Mike said.
We were going to bed and I said to Cheryl, We should go over with one of
those suitcase radio stations and set it up in Bor as a way to help. She said,
No way.
But Mike couldnt stop thinking about the possibility. During his morning
workout the next day, he hit upon an idea. The suitcase radio station would
work just as well in Yei as in Bor. And using a creative alignment of boosters,
Mike thought he might eventually be able to achieve the same reach all the
way to Juba that he had originally intended to get from the big KLTY-style
broadcast tower in Lainya. More importantly, this new conguration meant
that Mike could get radio to South Sudan for $15,000 instead of $100,000. He
presented the idea to Cheryl that night. She was more amiable since Yei was
further from the ghting than Bor, but she didnt want to rush in. They took a
week to pray about it, and on Christmas Day, Cheryl agreed to let Mike build
a radio station in a now-war-torn nation on two conditions: that he get life
insurance, and that Bishop Taban approve the plan.
Both happened quickly as did some extra fundraising help from IBC Mission.
Mike said, As soon as I walked out of that cofee with [IBC Mission Pastor]
Brent [McKinney] and [Global Mission Director] Lauren [Moussa], I called
the guys in Toronto and said, Build me a radio station.
The plan was thus: on the February 5, 2014 Mike would y to Toronto for two
days of training on the suitcase equipment. Then he and the equipment
would y from Toronto to Yei where he would implement what he learned.
Yei would have radio within the week, or so he thought.
The suitcase weighs about 150 pounds and Mike contacted the airline ahead
of time to request special permission to bring it, but he was turned away at
the gate nonetheless. He left the equipment with the engineer and asked him
to ship it. Then he boarded the plane to Yei to wait.
The suitcase was delayed. The engineer didnt ship it as soon as Mike ex-
pected. Mike changed his return ight and waited some more. Then he got
word that it was stuck in Kampala. There was a question about taxation. In all,
Mike waited almost three weeks for the suitcase to arrive. In the meantime,
he busied himself cleaning up the mud building where the station would op-
erate and installing the eight-foot antenna (which the airline did allow him to
bring). To help with those eforts, he recruited three men who work in Bishop
Tabans compound. Their names are Michael, Thomas and Kapyata but Mike
called them the three musketeers. Mike brightens when he starts telling
stories about them how Kapyata came to South Sudan from his home in
Congo because it was safer how they were good at their trades (welding,
construction and electrical) and eager to learn how, at one point Kapyata
was hanging from a thin metal railing 50 feet in the air welding the antenna
atop a water tower. I thought, Oh my gosh, Im going to kill an African and
no one is going to forgive me, Mike said. The Three Musketeers helped him
deal with the wait, but there was one day a Friday when they each had
other work to attend to and Mike was alone with nothing to do but wait.
That was the hardest time, Mike said. I just kept thinking about everything
that could go wrong. I thought, The box isnt going to get on the plane. The plan
will be delayed. Itll rain. Theyll want a bribe. It was getting to the point that
if anything else went wrong, this radio station wasnt going to happen. And my
biggest fear was that I wouldnt be able to put it together when it arrived.
The next day was Saturday and all communication from the airline was that
the suitcase would arrive then. Mike spent the whole day listening for planes
at the nearby airstrip. He kept waiting for Bishop Taban to come get him and
take him to the airport.
I had this vision of greeting the plane and unloading the equipment, of being
the one who physically brought radio to Yei, Mike said. I wanted to video the
whole thing.
But instead, he got the news from one of tThe Three Musketeers. Bishop just
called. Hes on his way.
Mike was upset. After all the trouble and all the waiting, he felt he had been
robbed of the big moment. Only later did he realize the this wasnt an over-
sight on Bishop Tabans part. He knew how Mike felt, but he also knew that
things were much more likely to go smoothly at the airport (and with fewer
bribes) if the white American wasnt around.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Juba
SOUTH SUDAN
SUDAN
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
ETHIOPIA
KENYA
UGANDA
CENTRAL
AFRICAN
REPUBLIC
Yei
Lainya
Bor
Mike Gwartney & Bishop Taban The radio tower in Yei.
In 2013, KLTY had over one million
listeners. The population of South
Sudan is around eight million.
North America is expected to generate
approximately $8.64 billion in luggage
retail sales in 2015 (statista.com).
Chatter | 6
Frequency modulation (FM) is the
encoding of information in a carrier wave
by varying the instantaneous frequency of
the wave. But you already knew that.
The Three Musketeers was rst
published in serial form in the
French newspaper Le Sicle
between March and July 1844.
MISSION LUNCH
August 17, 12:302 p.m. in West D
Come hear from the IBC teams that served in Africa, Haiti and
Honduras this summer! Plus get need-to-know updates on IBCs
upcoming plans for serving our global and local partners, and learn
how you can be a part of IBC fall ministry opportunities.
Please RSVP to Shannon Miller at smiller@irvingbible.org so we can
have enough food for the luncheon. (No cost to you!)
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
When the suitcase did arrive in Yei, it may as well have been riding on a donkey
over palm branches. People lined the streets waving at Bishop Tabans car.
Motorcycles escorted him. People danced and sang, clapped and played drums.
They were not taking
this lightly, Mike
smiled.
The next several min-
utes are burned into
Mikes memory. He
remembers the elders
of the church who
unloaded the equip-
ment. He remembers
the little cloth dolls
that the Toronto
engineer had used for
packing because he
didnt have anything else. Mike gave these to some of the helpers. He remem-
bers Bishop Tabans little blue thumb drive with music that they used as the
stations rst-ever programming. And he remembers how long it took.
One hour from the time the car arrived to the rst broadcast. Mike cant say it
except through tears. Everything worked. It was February 22.
The station broadcasts on 88.4 FM. It employs ve people and is overseen by
the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Sudan. It plays a mix of music, ser-
mons, and news which is particularly helpful in keeping people informed and
safe. Before this, there wasnt any media outlet that reached the rural people,
Mike explained. They are the
ones who are least literate and
most vulnerable. The rebels
can manipulate them. Tell
them lies about the war. This
station is broadcasting the
gospel; its also giving them in-
formation that sets them free.
Such is the story of Yei, South
Sudans rst radio station. But
its only part of the story of
that edgling nation or IBCs
involvement there. Years
before, in 2004 leaders from
several African churches met
with a mission team from IBC.
The Americans asked how
they could best serve their brothers and sisters in that region. The African pas-
tors answered by saying they needed basic services, the most basic of which
was clean water. Yei was the site of that meeting and the rst operations of a
new nonprot agency called Water Is Basic. Now more than 500 wells on, the
well in Yei is still pumping water. In fact, every day it lls up the very water
tower where Mike and his three musketeers mounted a radio station antenna.
And just below that water tower is a dried-mud building that houses a suitcase
that is changing a nation.
If youre like Ryan Sanders, you need hope, cofee and melody.
Ryan serves on the IBC Lead team overseeing Small Groups at IBC and Stephen Ministry.
The Three Musketeers, Michael, Thomas and Kapyata.
The people of Yei celebrating.
Chatter | 7
NEW TO IBC?
SO YOURE NOT NEW TO IBC BUT FEELING A LITTLE DISORIENTED? WE CAN RELATE.
If you are new to IBC, we invite
you to attend the Newcomer
Gathering, an event designed
to help you learn more about
who we are, what we believe,
and how to get plugged in.
Meet church leadership, ask
questions, and get to know
other newcomers in a relaxed,
informal environment.
When: August 21
Time: 6:308 p.m.
Location: The Zone
(upstairs at IBC)
Register at
irvingbible.org/connect.
Questions? Contact Sherri
Sharp at ssharp@irvingbible.
org or (972) 5604614.
In a life transition. My last
child went off to college, I
just started a new career
path, or Im learning to live
in a new normal.
Propel is a great place to nd a new t
whether youve been at IBC a week
or a decade. Many Old-time IBCers
nd a new way to engage through
Propel when life takes a diferent turn.
The Newcomer Gathering is still a
great place to start. Dont be shy. You
might be surprised who else is there!
Interested in the nuts and bolts of
this place. I want to be involved in key
decisions and feel committed to IBC
for the long-term, but Im not sure
how to go about it.
Sort of a lurker. Been
around IBC a while but
havent taken the next step to
get plugged in.
Dont wait for the perfect time to connect
with a sermon-based small group. Its
OK. Weve all had to step out of our
comfort zones and its worth the efort.
Membership is a great way to get
invested in IBC. We recommend going
through Propel rst, even if youre a
seasoned IBCer. Other membership ben-
ets? Keys to the kitchen. Just kidding.
FOR MORE INFO ON IBC, VISIT IRVINGBIBLE.ORG/CONNECT OR LOOK
FOR THE NEWCOMER GUIDES AROUND THE IBC CAMPUS.
(If you dont see them just yet, hold on. Theyll be available soon.)
HERES THE DEAL, I AM
Feeling a little lost in
this big place. Seems like
nobody would miss me if I
didnt show up.
NEWCOMER
GATHERING
CONSIDER MEMBERSHIP
Now you want to take a tangible step
that demonstrates youre right at home.
Membership follows the Propel experience
and involves a two-week class where youll
get the skinny on IBCs core governing
beliefs and operational policies, plus the
opportunity to share your own faith story.
T
h
e
n

T
hen

SIGN UP FOR PROPEL

All right! Youre feeling the IBC vibe and want
to see where you might get involved. Propel is
a 4-week class that explores the IBC calling and
culture, and how your unique personality and
passions t in. Meet many of our pastors and
directors of ministries at IBC.
JOIN A SERMON-BASED SMALL GROUP
Youre ring on all cylinders but something is
missing. And that something is a someone, or
a group of someones. Enter IBC sermon-based
small groups. Groups comprise 12 people or
fewer and meet weekly in homes to discuss
Sundays message. IBC Small Groups are a
place to connect authentically with others.
T
h
e
n

Then
FILL OUT A NEWCOMER CARD
See that nice person handing out little cards
before the service starts? Yep, shes the one. Grab
a worship folder and nd the page with blanks.
Tell us a little about yourself and let us know where
youre coming from and how we can engage with
you. Somebody will reach out to you this week.
CHECK OUT THE NEWCOMER GATHERING
So youre kicking the IBC tires? Good!
Were so glad youre here. The Newcomer
Gathering is a great opportunity to meet
church leadership, learn what IBC is all
about, and connect with other newbies in a
fun, relaxed environment.
Whats the path to getting connected around here anyway? Were glad you asked.
Heres the process for having your questions answered, guring out the
IBC story, and, if youre feeling ready, plugging in. In just ve simple steps.
Start
Chatter | 8
The Gatehouse breaks gound with
Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price and
Grapevine Mayor William D. Tate.
I
want to start by being totally honest with you, dear reader of Chatter, that
when I heard we had added a new Local Mission Partner, The Gatehouse
(TGH), earlier this year, I had doubts. I heard TGH was an organization
helping women in crisis, and I immediately thought of a few current partners
we have that also help women in crisis. I mistakenly thought we were support-
ing another organization that was the same as these wonderful places. How-
ever, I know now I should have never doubted our dedicated Mission staf and
their advisory board. They knew exactly what they were doing in this
new partnership.
The Gatehouse is a fully integrated supportive living community that is
dedicated to helping women and their children in crisis nd a path to perma-
nent change. They provide housing, transportation, childcare, food, education,
employment guidance, medical care, counseling, and life skills mentoring
for women coming out of domestic abuse shelters, rehab, poverty, homeless-
ness, and more. One of the most incredible things about TGH is that families
can stay up to 2 1/2 years (depending on their individually tailored program),
providing them time to really settle into a new life. According to Cristen Hixon,
The Gatehouse Communication Director, This extended time allows the
accountability members need to seek freedom from the past and hope for the
future. Most women leaving
a crisis situation need three
to six months to heal and
often times an additional
two years for education to
cement self-supportiveness.
When I spoke with Tricia
Kinsman, IBCs Local Mis-
sion Director, about how
we became connected with
TGH, Tricia explained her
process and her excitement:
When I realized that this community was being built in Grapevine, I knew we
needed to hear more about its leadership, goals, values and execution. I sat
down with the Executive Director, Deborah Lyons and I was blown away that
TGH community was consistent with IBCs Mission Mandate of raising up
and developing local leaders and providing a holistic approach to ministry. I
loved that this facility would be close by and could meet the needs of women
and their children who had made strong decisions for change in their lives, but
had no support system around them to be successful.
Currently, TGH is under construction in Grapevine, with plans for the rst
phase to be completed by winter 2014 and the rst women moved in shortly af-
ter that. When everything is nished, the complex will have capacity to house
up to 96 families and will include a community center, counseling centers, a
general store, walking trails, and more. One of the unique items at TGH is the
Keeps Boutique which will provide new clothing to women and their children.
I spoke with Jenn Cassidy, boutique Director, about how her daughter Emily
started the rst Keeps Boutique in 2006 when she was just 15. Emily was
passionate about obeying what God had told her and teaching the girls and
women (from the emergency shelters) that they are worth it, they are valued
and they are lovedIts exciting we will be reaching a new and larger group of
women that we can support and love on now that we have joined TGH.
Cristen echoes this idea of showing women their worth and value: I work with
Christ-centered women that ll me up every single day. And I cant wait to see
them pour out that love on to The Gatehouse women and children who need
to know theyre valued and created with a purpose. I wake up every day seeing
how God moves, how he perfectly places people in the right place at the
right time.
TGH really is a community afair, from the women who run it, to the support
given by the Grapevine City Council and churches like IBC all working
together to help women nd refuge and move forward into a new life. Cristen
says, Its been amazing to see how many people reach out to help or volunteer
day after day, even before the community has opened. When I asked Tricia
what she was most excited about for TGH partnership, she reinforced this idea
of community: I am most excited about the opportunity we have as IBCers
to support these women. From adopting a family for the two years they will be
there, to decorating an apartment for a family, to one-on-one encouragement,
and a million ways in-between, we can be a part of the process in bringing suc-
cessful living and spiritual healing to these precious families.
Now, I cant imagine us not partnering with this amazing organization. I cant
wait to hear the stories of redemption, of women being set free from abuse,
from poverty, from sufering. And I look forward to the many stories we will
get to share with IBC in the coming years of how God works through and in
TGH and the women who come to live there.
For more info on how you can be a part of supporting The Gatehouse, contact
Heather at gatehouse@irvingbible.org. To see pictures of the progress, visit
gatehousegrapevine.com.
Victoria Andrews greatest fear in life is wasps, specically the giant red ones.
She is rmly convinced God gave them over to Satan in the fall, along with
roaches and humidity.
Victoria is the IBC Communications Assistant. And resident baker.
I WAKE UP EVERY DAY
SEEING HOW GOD MOVES,
HOW HE PERFECTLY
PLACES PEOPLE IN THE
RIGHT PLACE AT THE
RIGHT TIME.
From Crisis to Community
The history of Grapevine, Texas dates back to 1843.
General Sam Houston, along with representatives of
the Republic of Texas, met in Grapevine with 10 Indian
tribes to negotiate a treaty of peace and friendship.
According to WomensHealth.gov, most women
who stay in abusive situations say its because
they either dont feel nancially secure or
because they have no place to go if they leave.
The Gatehouse brings women together for women in need.
Whether its the Pantheon or the back porch, we love seeing where IBCers
take Chatter. Got a submission? Send it to chatter@irvingbible.org.
Every month, we get some great submissions for Wheres Chatter.
(And some not-so-great ones.). Sadly, we can only pick one picture a
month. Heres a little peek at what youve been missing.
Cutting-Room
Floor Edition
Rhonda Houston and Bridget Smith at the
Parthenon in not-Greece, Nashville, TN.
A chance meeting of previously unknown IBCers in a
hotel in Paris requires a photo with Chatter. The Crofts
(left) and Grapshi (right) families.
National treasures, Bob and Pat Downey, in Ireland.
Lindsay & Jason Saffron and Carla & Chris Galanos visit
Piccadilly across from Green Park. London, England.
Lesley, Kaci, Chatter and Cat apparently blissfully unaware
of the looming iceburg and their impending doom.
Gratuitous staff-kid shot. But hey, theyre real cute and
obviously geniuses. Betsy Holmes, Julian Camacho and
Reece Bernhardt in The Bugs.
Asking
For Help
The most important thing I learned
from one IBC small group
O
ne rainy Sunday morning in June, I met with two couples
in the Mo who lead a very unique small group. I was most
eager to meet them because my husband and I are about to
become leaders of an IBC small group ourselves. And I had questions.
While searching the Mo for a place to lean my drenched umbrella, the
fragrant smell of rain and cofee enveloped me. Soon I spotted Harry
Wagner, one of the groups leaders, his wife Amy, then Ken and Janet
Koester. Once all ve of us decided where to sit, however, we drank no
cofee. We were too engrossed in conversation.
Many of us remember their story from a recent worship service; how
the group banded together to serve one of their members during her
complicated cancer treatments. Julie Gates had been in DFW one year
when she was diagnosed with lung cancer. Jef, her good friend, was
doing his best to support her, but it became clear to Jef and Julies
small group that a few more hands and hearts were needed.
Ken started with the basics of the story: It came together in a matter
of moments in one meeting, he began. The group had two doctors
who could advise Julie medically. Others organized meals and drove
her to appointments. Others had the resource of time in the day. They
ofered the valuable gift of sitting with her during her devastating
chemo treatments. They stepped up with what they had to serve faith-
fully. Janet added, Once we got the calendar out, we laid out what we
could do to help. It was completely a team efort.
Of course every one of us was scared, ofered Harry. Julie had
become a true friend. She was always open with us, and it certainly
tugged at our hearts, especially with the trips to Houston to be di-
agnosed and then the fear when she nally was diagnosed. But the
group came together with a lets-get-this done kind of attitude. We
knew Pastor Andy had beat cancer and now it was Julies turn, said
Harry. It took a lot of prayer. A lot of action.
I was mesmerized. What were Julies thoughts about all this? How
did this group work together so well? Three weeks and one day after
our meeting in the Mo, I brewed some half-caf and called Michigan
to speak with her. (Julie enjoys spending summers on the lovely Au
Sable River where she still has a home.)
Julie and I talked. A lot. We spoke of sufering. In a terrible irony, Julie
had lost her husband to cancer ve years ago. Even that experience
did not prepare me for the difculty of my illness, she told me. It
made it a very real disease, very personal, but it also made me more
determined to beat it.
We spoke of mystery. I was a Christian before, but this kind of experi-
ence has drawn me into a deeper relationship with Christ. Was she
spiritually disillusioned? I have never been angry with God, said
Julie. I seek his wisdom and comfort.
(Thankfully, Julies cancer is now classi-
ed as inactive. She doesnt need treat-
ment right now. )
It turns out that what made Julies small
group so engaged and efective is not
much of a mystery after all. The group
members have things in common. They
respect each others worshiping styles.
They are accepting of each other and
practical. But perhaps the most impor-
tant factor of all is something Julie had to
learn the hard way: Dont hesitate to ask
for help, she said. I have always taken
pride in being the kind of person who can
get things done. My illness has brought a
humility that has opened my eyes to the
beauty of it all. It was openness and vul-
nerability that set the wheels in motion
for true community.
As I thought about approaching my own
small group this fall, the wisdom I gleaned
from Julies was simple: as a group, you
cant avoid conicts. Life will happen and
you should respond to it prayerfully. But
most importantly, you must be willing
to ask for help. In short, you must be an
honest human being; the rest is window
dressing. Chances are you are not going
to ask for help with your cancer, or your
depression, or your bankruptcy, from the
person you greet and shake hands with
in a worship service on Sunday. We learn
to ask for help in small, safe settings. If
youre missing that in your life, I hope
youll nd it soon. Maybe even in an IBC
small group.
Cheryl Hume wonders if there was a spe-
cial rapture for horned frogs. Those cute
little lizards were everywhere when she
was a kid. Whered they go?
Cheryl spends her days moving from painting to writing
to singing. She also teaches music and theatre arts to
children.
It was
openness and
vulnerability
that set
the wheels
in motion
for true
community.
Small Groups Sign-Ups: August 24 deadline
Small Groups at IBC 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. Groups meet weekly in homes to eat,
pray, and learn. The curriculum, based on each Sundays sermon, in-
vites members to dig deeper into Scripture and share their viewpoints
and life experiences. Group sessions run ten weeks.
For more information, contact Katie Geurin at kgeurin@irvingbible.org.
Please register by August 24 at irvingbible.org/smallgroups.
Julie (second from
the top right) and
her small group.
CHATTER Tell us a little about your faith journey
and IBC connection.
TOSHA Okay. So, in June of 2010, I was saved on a
Saturday morning. The following day, Sunday, I got
up and began driving with tears streaming down
my face. I was totally confused. I'd gone to another
church for approximately 10 years, but didnt go
there that particular morning. The Lord led me to
IBC. When I walked in, I was so timid. Here I am, a
black girl, walking into a strange church with no
clue what I was doing. Thinking back on it, it was
the Holy Spirit leading me. I went upstairs to the
balcony and listened to Pastor Andy's sermon, cry-
ing the entire time. Once it was over, I remained
seated because I did not want to leave. I felt like I
was at home.
A few Sundays later, as I began to take a self-guid-
ed tour of IBC, I ran across Jennifer Erlenbusch
at the table called One Parent + Kids. Light bulb
moment! I thought to myself, Hey. Thats for me!
Im single with two kids.
So, I signed up.
CHAT What were your rst impressions of One
Parent + Kids?
TA The rst day I attended, I thought to myself,
Oh yeah. I am gonna like these people! Big Mike
was so hardcore and Dayna was so nice. But, I am
all up for a challenge and a challenge it was! One
Parent + Kids main objective is to teach single
parents how to become successful CEOs of their
household. It also helps you learn not to feel guilty
about your situation but how to lead your children
in the way they should go in the Lord, of course.
CHAT What were your initial takeaways?
TA I remember going home every night after class
and actually talking to my children. Getting to
know them. They were getting to know me, too.
Because, remember, I had recently become a new
creation. Suddenly, I was someone they'd never
seen before. I had stopped cursing, yelling, being
so angry and bitter. I was learning to appreciate my
children as the nest gifts that they are. And it
saddened me that this experience did not happen
sooner. But, oh well its all in Gods timing, right?
I also remember us going through the Grief Cycle.
It was eye-opening. I realized that I had reached
the stage of acceptance, but that I'd left one of my
children behind in the depression stage. Big Mike
and Dayna said, You have to go back and get him.
So, I had to revisit depression because it's not all
about me.
CHAT Tell us the bottom line.
TA One Parent + Kids gave my children and me the
tools needed for our daily living. It helped me to be
condent in being a single parent. I was no longer
ashamed of my past. If people are ready to put in
the work for themselves and their children, this is
the class for them. I've taken this class about 6-7
times and I learn something new each and every
time because of course, something new is always
going on in our lives. Change is inevitable and
we have to learn to roll with the punches with
a SMILE. I've referred people to this program in
hopes that they too would have the Tosha Experi-
ence. One that changed my life forever. I am truly
grateful for IBC. Truly thankful!
THE
TOSHA
EXPERIENCE
One Parent + Kids is a practical, 12-week course for single
parents and their kids. OP+K alum Tosha Adger shares why
OP+K has impacted her family for good.
One Parent + Kids:
Kicks of September 3, registration is now open.
Dont y solo. Whether your family is healing from the pain of
divorce, abandonment or just looking for new ways to build
healthy communication, we invite you and your kids to ex-
perience One Parent + Kids, a 12-week program designed to
enrich the lives of single-parent families.
Session: September 3November 19
Dinner in the Commons: 56:20 p.m.
Class for kids and parents: 6:458:15 p.m.
Cost is $40 per family for the semester (includes dinner each
week, all supplies, curriculum materials). Scholarships are
available. Register online at irvingbible.org/singleparents.
Contact Jennifer at jerlenbusch@irvingbible.org.
Chatter | 12
MYSTYNE GRANT was single, working the night shift at a local hospital
as a registered nurse. She made six gures a year. Her only roommates were her
little sister, Jennifer, and their dog, Elizabeth Taylor. Life was easy. Predictable.
All that was about to change.
It was April 2012 when things got ipped upside down. Thats when Mystyne
got a fateful phone call that would change her life forever: her nieces three
kids had been taken into CPS custody and placed into a foster home. No one
else in Mystynes family was a good candidate for stepping in on behalf of the
children, so she decided to stand in the gap. It took me a month to get custody
of them, she says. I knew the kids had to be with family. And I was it. I knew it
would be hard but it was the only thing that was right.
To say things were hard would be an understatement. The kids Shaun (6),
Chandler (4), and Alyssa (2) had always been rambunctious kids with so-so
manners, but they had regressed markedly while in CPS custody. Alyssa was
having a hard time showing afection, and all her potty training had gone out
the window. Chandler was also no longer potty-trained and had become a
raging ball of fury that had lost most of his communication skills. Shaun was
scared, and had a hard time expressing his feelings. CPS called them spirited,
says Mystyne. But I had three kids who were completely out of control; they
lied, stole, and destroyed things. She knew she needed help.
Mystyne had been raised and was active in the Catholic Church, but it no
longer felt like she belonged there and she sensed the kids needed something
diferent. I began praying and God had to hit me over the head a few times, but
months later I ended up coming to IBC, says Mystyne. She knew from the rst
visit that IBC was the place for the kids, but where did she belong? The next
week after the worship service, she ran into an old family friend who invited
her to the On Track class, IBCs community for single parents. I couldnt go,
could I? Mystyne asked herself. It was a single-parent group and I didnt
think I would t in. A single-parent by choice and tragic default, Mystyne
was on the fence. She nally decided to attend the following week. Long story
short, I found my church home that third week at IBC, says Mystyne. And
shes never looked back. Mystyne is now the co-directer of On Track, in fact.
This past summer, she also volunteered at VBS as a crew leader and now vol-
unteers every month or so at the Medical Clinic on Wednesday nights.
On Track was only the beginning for the kids progress. Says Mystyne, The
kids have improved slowly, but surely. It took me almost 10 months to get
Chandler tested for Autism. I had him in Speech, OT, PT, play therapy with a
psychologist and in treatment with a psychiatrist. Chandler, who will be 7 in
August, has a ways to go, but he has improved a lot and said that he believes
God is real. Shaun, 9, has changed so much he is almost a diferent kid.
In fact, Shaun has an IBC mentor now named Drew. The two of them con-
nected at a Guy Stuf event at a Stars game over Spring Break. Guy Stuf, along
with Girl Stuf, are IBC events for kids from single-parent families. At the
time, Drew had just nished the paperwork to become a mentor. They seem to
really hit it of, says Mystyne. I think its been good for Shaun to see a family
with a mom and dad. Even Alyssa, who is a bit young for the Girl Stuf events
(she will be ve in September), has also beneted from the love poured into her
by the older girls and moms in IBCs single parent ministry.
As for Mystyne, shes changed as well. She left her high-paying job because the
schedule did not work well with managing the kids. At the time, she had no
idea where she was going to get a job, but knew God would lead her. Now shes
a full-time school nurse, which gives her exibility to be there for her great-
niece and nephews, who are now with Mystynes sister their grandmother
during the week. Shes glad to be available as a second mom on weekends, holi-
days, or whenever she can. I now make half what I did before and nances are
tight each month, she says. But I wouldnt change a thing. I love these kids.
Julie Rhodes is inexplicably missing half of her thyroid.
Julie edits Chatter and blogs at wetbehindtheearsblog.com.
In his 1895 essay Brunch: A Plea, English
writer, Guy Beringer rst proposed the idea for
the mixed meal. (mentaloss.com)
According to the Autism Science
Foundation, Autism was rst
described by Dr. Leo Kanner in 1943.
Saturday, August 23, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in The Alcove
Getting Fit: Exercise, Nutrition & Self-Defense!
Girls, its back-to school time! What better time than now to get ft?
Come learn cool exercises, enjoy a tasty & healthy brunch, and
learn how to defend yourself just in case!
R.S.V.P to Marsha at mtribbett@irvingbible.org or at (972) 560-4653
or sign up at the Single Parent Ministry kiosk on Sundays.
I Wouldnt
Change a Thing.
An unconventional single mom nds
support and a place to belong at IBC.
Shaun and his mentor Drew.
Alyssa (left) & Chandler (right)
Chatter | 13
1. What is the ofcial hairstyle
of Women at IBC?
a. Bun
b. Pony tail
c. Pixie cut
d. Bed head
2. What is Women at IBCs
favorite snack?
a. Chocolate cheesecake
b. Chips and salsa
c. Strawberries and
whipped cream
d. Hummus and pita chips
3. What does Women at IBC
like to do in her free time?
a. Golf
b. Take a nap
c. Scrapbook
d. Bake pies
FALL 2014 BIBLE STUDY
1 Peter
Discovering Encouragement in Troubling Times
By Sue Edwards
From the beginning of time, every era has struggled with adversity.
Today is no diferent. Job loss. Illness. Debt. Stress. How do you
navigate the trials of this fallen world? Join us as we learn how to
persevere in hard times and study the promises Jesus gives the
persecuted church: He will be with us, he will comfort us, and he
will use these trials for his glory.
DATE: Tuesday, September 16 November 18
TIME: 9:3011:30 a.m. or 6:308:30 p.m.
LOCATION: The Commons, IBC
COST: $15 (includes workbook)
For more information and to register visit
irvingbible.org/women.

KidZone registration is also available and closes on September 2
at noon.
ARE YOU A TYPICAL WOMAN AT IBC?
NEVER WONDER AGAIN.
4. What is the profession of
Women at IBC?
a. Cardiologist
b. Teacher
c. Work-at-home mom
d. Artist
5. On Saturday mornings, Women
at IBC enjoys
a. Working out
b. Not working out
c. Frying bacon
d. Reading
6. Women at IBC typically
a. Have young children
b. Are empty-nesters
c. Are single
d. Are single parents
Score: There are no right
answers! Whatever you picked,
you will t in and are welcome
to join us.
Still wondering if theres a place
for you? Come to the Womens
Welcome Lunch, September 7.
QUIZ: WOMEN AT IBC
WOMENS
WELCOME LUNCH
Sunday, September 7
Are you new to IBC? Want to learn more
about Women at IBC? Come enjoy a compli-
mentary lunch, meet saf members and vol-
unteers, and discover all that Women at IBC
has to ofer this fall including Bible sudy, a
silent retreat, Chrismas Dinner, and secial
minisry events.
When: 12:30 p.m.1:30 p.m.
Where: Wes A&B, Irving Bible Church
Cos: Free
Regiser: No regisration needed
Quesions? Contac Jennifer Lewis at
jlewis@irvingbible.org; (972) 560-4657.
Brought to you by:
THIS MONTH
Chatter | 14
BIBLE COMMUNITIES
Groups on Sunday
Theres always something new
going on in Bible Communities!
Heres a taste of whats happening
this month:
The Tree 9 a.m. West D
20s & 30s, married and
young families
Join us as we seek to grow together
in faith and in marriage. In August we
will be studying the book of James
learning how to choose wisely and
flourish with God and others.
Crossroads
10:45 a.m. West C
Married late 20s and 30s
Join us for teaching that facilitates
group discussion with the goal of
deepening relationships in our com-
munity and with Christ.
Journey
10:45 a.m. The Alcove
All Welcome
Join us as we study the one another
passages of Scripture.
On Track
10:45 a.m. Conference Room
Single Parents
If you are a single parent or have a
blended family, please join us for
Bible study, fellowship and prayer.
Thrive 10:45 a.m. West D
Singles in their 30s & 40s
We are a group of highly-active
singles developing friendships and
expressing the truth and love of
Jesus in a spectrum of ways.
Renew
10:45 a.m. Training Center
Diverse, all ages and stages
Join us for community, prayer, and
in-depth Bible teaching as we
search Gods word. Currently, we
are studying When God, focus-
ing on times in our lives when God
seems distant.
Legacy Builders
6:45 p.m. West A
All Welcome
Join us for fellowship, prayer, and
in-depth Bible teaching.
Please visit page 18 for more Sun-
day Bible Communities.
CHILDREN
Infants Through 5
th
Grade
Zone 6:30, Tuesday
nights at 6:30 p.m.
See ad, pg. 16.
MyZone Wednesday
Nights, 6:30 p.m.
See ad, pg. 16.
Promotion Sunday August 24
This is the day all children move
into the new classes for fall. Contact
Melody at mparlett@irvingbible.org
with questions.
CONNECT
Events and Resources for
Newcomers and Small Groups
Newcomer Gathering
August 21
See ad, pg. 7.
Small Groups
Registration closes August 24
See ad, pg. 10.
Propel Begins September 14
Cant figure out where you belong
at IBC? Starting a new life stage?
Join Propel to find out how best to
plug into IBCs culture and calling.
Visit irvingbible.org/connect for
more info.
FAITH & BELIEF
Events & Resources
Baptisms September 7
If you have committed your life to
Jesus and want to make a public
profession of your faith, we invite
you to be baptized in the IBC Town
Square on September 14. A manda-
tory baptism class for all ages will
be held on August 10, 12:30 p.m. in
West C. A light lunch will be served.
Baptism video filming will be held
on August 17, 12:30 p.m. for adults
and 5 p.m. for children, in the
Alcove. Visit irvingbible.org/baptism
to register.
HOPE & HEALING
Community Care
Griefshare
Thursdays, 6:308:30 p.m.
West C
Begins September 4. We are a
caring group of people who will
walk alongside you through one
of lifes most difficult experiences.
You dont have to walk the journey
alone. Childcare is available with
prior registration only. For more
info please contact Sharon at
shararrington@verizon.net.
DivorceCare Begins August 14
DivorceCare is a friendly, caring
group of people who will walk
alongside you to help rebuild your
life and work towards healing.
Register at irvingbible.org/support-
groups.
Abortion Recovery Counseling
One-on-one, confidential counsel-
ing for those living with the after-
math of abortion. For information,
contact Kym at (972) 560-4632 or
kyeichner@irvingbible.org.
Recovery at IBC
Thursdays, 6:308:30 p.m.
West Wing Youth Lounge
Do you deal with perfectionism,
pride, overeating, inappropriate
anger or control? Recovery is con-
fidential and all are welcome. Visit
irvingbible.org/recovery for more info.
Shelter from the Storm
A confidential small group focused
on finding hope and healing from
sexual abuse. Contact Michelle at
shelterfromthestormibc@gmail.com
or (214) 725-0898.
Mental Health Grace Alliance
The Living Grace Group
Mondays, 6:30 p.m. West B
For those who have mental illness.
Bi-weekly group begins September 8.
Contact Pam at pamburtis@verizon.net.
Family Grace Group
Mondays, 6:30 p.m. West A
For family members, friends, and care-
givers who support individuals with
serious mental disorders. Bi-weekly
group begins September 8. Contact
Buzz Moody at myrabuzz@gmail.com.
NAMI Family-to-Family Class
Mondays, 6:309:30 p.m.
West C/D
A 12-week course designed for
families and caregvivers of those
with serious mental illness. Starts
September 17. Contact Joey at
joey@netbreezeinc.com or Debra at
eumoore@yahoo.com.
Stephen Ministry at IBC
Stephen Ministers provide a listen-
ing ear and a caring presence for
IBCers going through emotionally
difficult times such as the loss of
a loved one, loss of a job, illness,
injury, divorce or other life events.
If you or someone you know could
benefit from the care of a Stephen
Minister, contact stephenministry@
irvingbible.org or (972) 560-4636.
Spousal Abuse Recovery
Confidential one-on-one counseling
that explores the wounds we have
received and the healing journey
God has prepared for us. Contact
Kym at kyeichner@irvingbible.org.
MARRIAGE
Community and Resources
Marriage at IBC
Currently on break, will start back in
the fall. Watch Chatter for more de-
tails. Contact marriage@irvingbible.
org with questions.
Pre-Marriage at IBC
Engaged couples work with mentor
couples to develop practical tools
needed for a lasting and loving
future together. Register at irving-
bible.org/marriage.
MEN
Community and Resources
4th Annual IBC Car Show
September 20, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Lots of vintage and muscle cars,
games, face painting and bounce
houses. Contact Warren at wsleon-
hardi@verizon.net for more info.
First Watch Fridays, 6:22 a.m.
The Commons
See ad, pg. 16. Contact Nat at
npugh@irvingbible.org with questions.
First Watch Replay
Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.
Training Center
Contact brianarrington1@yahoo.
com with questions.
First Watch Xtra
Wednesday, 6:30 a.m.
Training Center
Contact bcope@huntoil.com
with questions.
Save-the-date
February 20-21, 2015
IBC Big Man Party is coming! Watch
Chatter for more details.
Visit irvingbible.org/men.
MISSION
Local and Global
Mission Lunch
August 17, 12:30 p.m.
See ad, pg. 6.
Supplies for Success
Backpack Drive
July 27, August 3, 10
We are currently collecting back-
packs and donations for backpacks
for our annual Supplies for Success
event partnership with the City of Ir-
ving. Visit irvingbible.org/backpacks
or the kiosk on Sunday to see how
you can be involved.
Prayer Meeting
2nd and 4th Wednesdays,
6:458 p.m. The Chapel
Join us as we pray for IBC and the
needs of our people and the world.
Laundry Love first Saturday
of the month, 9 a.m.12 p.m.
Located at Amigo Laundromat,
3349 Country Club Dr. in Irving
(just down from Sam Houston
Middle School). Please join us as
we provide free laundry cycles and
detergent, strike up conversations
and build relationships. For more
info visit llpirving.org or contact
info@llpirving.org.
SINGLE PARENTS
Community and Resources
One Parent + Kids
Starts September 3
See article, pg. 11.
Family Western Night
September 13
Save-the-date for a Single Parent
Family Western Night. This is a free
event for single parents and their
kids, includes dinner and fun. Watch
Chatter for more details.
Girl Stuff Event August 23
See ad, pg. 12.
Mens Mentoring Breakfast
September 6, 8:30 a.m.
If you are interested in hearing
more about mentoring a boy from
a single-parent family, join us for
breakfast. Current mentors will
share about their experiences. Con-
tact Marsha at mtribbett@irving-
bible.org for more info or to RSVP.
Sit with us on Sunday!
Several single-parent families enjoy
worshiping together in the 9 a.m. ser-
vice. Join us in the lowest right-hand
section, Rows 5 & 6, facing the stage.
Visit irvingbible.org/singleparents.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Community and Resources
Respite Care August 23
Respite Care provides a much
needed night off for parents. Fun
activities and a safe environment
for children with special needs is
offered so that care givers can have
time to relax and recharge. Each
child will receive a one-on-one pal.
RSVP to Shannon at specialneeds@
irvingbible.org
In His Image Bible Study
Wednesdays, 6:307:45 p.m.
Training Room
A small group for adults (18+) with
special needs.
SonShine Pals and Room
Our SonShine Rooms are available
during the 10:45 a.m. service for
children with special needs. There
are also opportunities for children
to be matched with a SonShine Pal.
Contact specialneeds@irvingbible.org.
STUDENTS
Middle/High School and College
Middle School Sundays
Life on Life Kickoff August 24
Student Ministries area,
10:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
See ad, pg. 17.
Middle School Wednesdays
The "W' Student Ministries area,
6:30-8 p.m.
High School Sundays
Life Groups Kickoff August 24
Student Ministry area, 6:45-8 p.m.
See ad, pg. 17.
High School Wednesdays
The Alcove, 7:15-8:30 p.m.
IBC College Ministry
Sundays at 3:30 p.m. The Com-
mons Annex
For latest info on times and loca-
tions of college events join the
Facebook group: College at IBC.
Contact mconnor@irvingbible.org.
WOMEN
Community and Resources
Womens Welcome Lunch
September 7, 12:30 p.m.
West A
See ad, pg. 13.
Womens Fall Bible Study
Begins September 16
See ad, pg. 13.
Square One
Thursdays, 10 a.m.12 p.m.
Starts September 18
You and your 0-6 month old will
connect with mentor moms and
other women in this class for first-
time moms. Contact squareone@
irvingbible.org to register.
Visit irvingbible.org/women.
YOUNG ADULTS
20s and Early 30s
Gathering Kickoff
August 14, 7 p.m.
Join us for the fall kick-off for The
Gathering with a night of worship
with Erik Nieder. We will spend the
evening celebrating the amazing
things God is doing in and through
the lives of the Young Adults at IBC.
Visit irvingbible.org/youngadults.
2435 KINWEST
Wednesday Nights at IBC
Vox Humana Choir
Wednesdays, 78:30 p.m.
IBC Worship Center
The choral community of IBC is
always looking for new singers, be-
ginner or pro. Everyone is welcome
and you can join at any time! No
auditions necessary. Contact Crystal
at celwell@irvingbible.org. Vox will
resume in September, please watch
Chatter for more details.
Next Gen Choir
Wednesdays, 5:406:30 p.m.
The Next Gen Choir is currently on
a break. They will resume practice in
the fall. 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? Im-
prove your English? Come practice
all four skills: speaking, listening,
reading and writing. Begins Sep-
tember 10. For more info, contact
Corey at 2435esl@irvingbible.org.
FREE Citizenship Class
Wednesdays, 6:308 p.m.
IBC Conference Room
For those at least 18 years old who
have been issued a Permanent
Resident Card. We will help prepare
you for the citizenship test and
the interview. Contact Norma at
2435citizenship@irvingbible.org.
IBC Career Transition Ministry
Wednesdays, 6:308 p.m.
Want to find a job? Come learn how
to craft a rock-solid resume, use the
Internet and LinkedIn to network,
and ace the interview. For more
info, contact 2435jobtransition@
irvingbible.org.
Visit 2435kinwest.org.
MISCELLANEOUS
A Little Bit of Everything
Financial Peace University
Begins September 17
Join us for FPU, a 9-week program
that empowers you to make the
right money decisions to achieve
your financial goals and experi-
ence a total money makeover. Visit
irvingbible.org/fpu for more info or
to register.
Diabetes Academy
July 30 and August 27 West A
Join us for a class hosted by Jan
May, RD, LD, Diabetes Educator
to help you learn how to effec-
tively manage your diabetes. The
purpose of this academy is to
encourage, educate, and empower
those dealing with the effect of this
chronic condition. Contact Charles
at cpierce@2435clinic.org.
NICHE (North Irving Christian
Home Educators) August 25
Join NICHE for their monthly meet-
ing on August 25. Visit texasniche.com
for more info.
August 24 September 21 at 10:45 a.m.
(Sunday mornings) in the Living Room
(formerly the Mens Conference Room).
Welcome to
the Table!
At IBC, we seek to foster an open, relaxed and safe environment to ask the
hard questions of faith and life. The Table is a place where your questions
are invited and welcomed, and where you can voice your doubts. It is a
place for you to explore Christianity with others on a similar journey.
Each of the ve sessions in this class focuses on an objection to the
Christian faith.
Seating is limited. For more info, please visit irvingbible.org/thetable.
To reserve your seat, Contact jstein@irvingbible.org.
Who: K5th Grade
When: Tuesdays, 6:308:30 p.m.
Starts September 16.
Where: The Zone
Cost: $25 per child (covers the study guide, T-shirt, and
various activities throughout the year)
Registration: Now open at irvingbible.org/children
For more info, contact children@irvingbible.org.
Zone 6:30
A Bible Study for kids.
Zone 6:30 is a great way
for your elementary child to
grow deeper in their spiritual walk through
small group Bible study. Help your child take
the next step in their faith journey this fall and
prepare them for a life-long love of Scripture.
MyZone is a place where friends
introduce Jesus to others through
fun activities, great friendships and
in-depth conversations. (Oh, and
slime. Lots and lots of slime!)
Registration is now open at
irvingbible.org/childen.
Who: Grades K5th
Where: K2nd graders: Zone Jr.
3rd5th graders: the Zone
When: Wednesdays, 6:308 p.m.
Starts September 10.
Cost: MyZone is a free event.
No registration required.
For more info, contact nlee@irvingbible.org.
What is every mans role and responsibil-
ity as part of this beautiful and eclectic
organism we know as the Church? This
fall at First Watch well be discussing
three key roles of every believer: follow-
ing the Spirit, extending grace and dem-
onstrating love. Leave each session with
a better understanding and clear action
steps of how God wants to use you to
make an eternal difference.
KNOW
YOUR
ROLE
FRIDAYS, 6:22 A.M. IN THE COMMONS
FIRST WATCH
GREAT CONVERSATI ON
*
HOT COFFEE
DONUTS
*
BANANAS
Remember all the questions
you asked when you got
home with your rst baby?
What if Im not doing this right?
What if they dont stop crying?
Will I ever sleep again?
If you or a woman you know is a brand-new, rst-time mom,
Square One is a great opportunity to connect with other moms
and nd encouragement, support, and a litle help for those difcult
questions along the way.
When: Thursdays, September 18October 23
Time: 10 a.m.12 p.m.
Where: Comfort Zone 4, Irving Bible Church
Who: For rst-time moms with a baby
6 months old or younger
Cost: Free
To register or ask questions, please email squareone@irvingbible.org.
GROUPS
Kickoff: Sunday, August 24
Life
REGISTER irvingbible.org/students
QUESTIONS? Contact Mary Ann Connor at mconnor@irvingbible.org.
HIGH SCHOOL LIFE
GROUP KICK-OFF
August 24, 6:45 p.m in the
Student Ministry Area
If youre a student looking to
grow closer to God, engage truth
with friends, and apply Scripture
to your everyday life, join a High
School LifeGroup today. Groups
meet Sunday evenings at 6:45
in the Student Area, starting
August 24.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
LOL KICK-OFF
August 24, 10:30 a.m. in
the Student Ministry Area.
Life On Life (LOL) is a great op-
portunity for your middle school
student to connect with friends
and leaders over Gods Word
in a safe environment. Weekly
small groups meet on Sunday
mornings in the Student Area,
starting August 24.
Chatter | 18
First Worship Service: 9 a.m.
Childrens Classes (all ages)
Synergy (40s & 50s), the Alcove
The Tree (young marrieds and families), West D
Second Worship Service: 10:45 a.m.
Childrens Classes (all ages)
Crossroads (mid 20s-30s couples), West C
On Track (single parents), Conference Room
Journey (all welcome), The Alcove
Renew (multi-generational), Training Center
Thrive (30s & 40s singles), West D
Third Worship Service: 5 p.m.
Childrens Classes (all ages)
Community Dinner: 6 p.m.
Community Events: 6:45 p.m.
Legacy Builders (all welcome), West A
Middle School, The Commons
High School, Student Ministries Area
SUNDAY COMMUNITY MEALS
Join us in the Town Square for our community meal
on Sundays at 6 p.m. Meals are $3 per person or $10
max./family.
8/3 Pizza, breadsticks, salad bar
8/10 Fajita Madness, salad bar
8/17 Hamburgers or brats, salad bar
8/24 Giant baked potatoes with
all the fixings, salad bar
8/31 NO MEAL. Happy Labor Day!
If youd like to serve on a Sunday night meal
team, contact Pat OReilly at (214) 289-6176 or
sundaynightmeal@irvingbible.org.
WEDNESDAY MIDWEEK MEALS
Each Wednesday night from 5-6:20 p.m., IBC pre-
pares dinner for anyone wanting a good, hot meal.
PB&J sandwiches are also available. Cost is $3/meal
or $10 max./family. Just come by The Commons and
grab a plate!
8/6 Lasagna, bread sticks, salad, dessert.
8/13 Chicken Tender sandwich,
salad, chips, dessert.
8/20 Deluxe burgers, pickle spears,
cole slaw, dessert.
8/27 Pizza, salad, dessert.
All August meals hosted by Bob Downey and
Karen Rails 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.
THE MOSAIC CAF (THE MO)
Caf Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday,
and Friday: 9 a.m.1 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m.1 p.m.; 47 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 8 a.m.12:30 p.m.; 47 p.m.
Phone: (972) 4433323
SUNDAY SCHEDULE
My Time, Talents & Skills
Medical Professionals Needed
Our weekly medical clinic needs professional health
care providers (MD, PA, FNP) to provide treatment for
our patients. Volunteers serve on a rotating basis and
do not need to serve every week. Contact Charles at
cpierce@2435clinic.org.
Childrens Ministry Leaders
Each Sunday we help about 800 kids grow in Christ and
connect in community. We are in need of people of all
ages to invest in the next generation of nursery, preschool,
and elementary aged kids. As we prepare for the new
school year we have opportunities for all skill sets. Contact
Cammie at cbell@irvingbible.org.
Safety Team
Do you have a desire to serve and protect others? Then the
IBC safety team on Sunday is for you. Contact Chris Rose at
crose@irvingbible.org. Please include any credentials and
relevant experience.
NFNL Volunteers
New Friends New Life has many volunteer opportunities
with time commitments ranging form once a month to
every week. From bringing dinner to admin support to
computer skills there are many ways to get involved. Con-
tact Christine at newfriendsnewlife@irvingbible.org.
Mentor Kids in Single-Parent Families
Men and women are needed for gender-specic mentoring
of children from single parent families. Contact Marsha at
mtribbett@irvingible.org.
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.
The Main Place
The Main Place provides clothing for homeless teens in Ir-
ving ISD. Contact Sharon at themainplace@irvingbible.org.
My Resources
Laundry Soap and Dryer Sheets
Laundry Love is collecting laundry soap and dryer
sheets for their monthly events in Irving. Please bring
these to the Laundry Love box in the donation area by
the Training Center. For more info visit llpirving.org or
contact info@llpirving.org.
Online Giving Option
If you would nd it more convenient to donate to the minis-
tries of Irving Bible Church online, visit irvingbible.org/give.
HOW DO I GIVE?
Were so glad youre here. Sometimes its hard to know
where to begin, but we want to make the process of con-
necting and feeling at home as easy as possible. Here are
some ways to start.
The Information Center is a great place to get your ques-
tions answered, nd help and encouragement for your per-
sonal journey, or just have a cup of cofee and settle in. Our
team of volunteers would be happy to help you, and our
goal is to make you feel at home. The Information Center
is open every Sunday after all three worship services.
The Newcomer Gathering is an informal get-together
for those new to IBC and/or those wanting to learn more
about who we are, what we believe and how to get plugged
in. Meet other newcomers, ministry leaders and elders.
Cant seem to gure out what IBC is all about or how
you t into the larger picture? Want free breakfast every
Sunday for four weeks? Propel is designed to help you
gure out how to best plug in to IBCs culture and calling.
Well talk about what it means to grow in Christ, connect
in community and join the mission and what that might
look like for you. Youll also learn more about membership
at IBC.
Small groups exist to cultivate deep relationships that
advance the kingdom of God in dark places dark places
in our world, in our relationships and in our hearts. We
do this in the context of sermon-based Bible studies that
meet in homes. Groups comprise 12 people or fewer and
are formed by leaders who have completed small group
leader training. To sign up for a group or get more info,
contact Ryan Sanders at rsanders@irvingbible.org.
New to IBC?
Information Center
Have questions? Were here to help.
irvingbible.org/connect
Small Groups
Connect with others on the journey.
irvingbible.org/smallgroups
Propel
Ready to get plugged in?
irvingbible.org/connect
Newcomer Gathering
Learn more about IBC
and meet others like you.
irvingbible.org/connect
Interested in learning more about IBCs budget for 2014 or other
nancial nuts and bolts? Visit irvingbible.org/budget beginning in February.
Chatter | 19
Before becoming a writer, Henry David Thoreau
worked in his familys pencil factory. Because of the
Thoreaus naming system, No. 2 pencils were born.
(Henry was the only creative one, apparently.)
Elishas White
School Paste
Dearest Parent(s) and/or Guardian(s)
and/or Child(ren) Who Stole This
From the Mailbox,
Its that time of year again! School days,
school days, dear old Golden Rule days.
Ha ha ha! At least it will be here at St. Ig-
natius Coram Deo Academy of the Three
Crosses Christian School & Bakery. Pub-
lic schools havent had Golden Rule days
since the landmark 1973 court decision in Moonbeam Steyberwocky v. Lee
County Unied School District No. 3. (They tried reorganizing as No. 4 to avoid
the judgment, but I think we all know how hard it is to shake a hippie.)
Anyway, as your principal (Principle? I forget.) here at St. Iggys, it is my joy-
ous yet solemn duty to welcome your child(ren) back for another year of the
7 Rs: Reading, wRiting, aRithmetic, Repentance, Restoration, Rejoicing and
Retail. Yes, once again, St. Iggys is holding a yearlong bake sale as mandated by
our recently amended name and charter. Each child will be required to bring
one dozen baked goods every Monday and Thursday. Dont forget to make it a
bakers dozen as I like to model the Levite priests for the kids in the form of a
donut tithe. With sprinkles.
Despite the fact that 12/13ths of your children have attended school before, my
secretary says I am obligated by Malachi 2:4 to produce a list of school supplies
lest I be besmoted with a plague of hooliganism. I have attempted to provide
a bit of witty commentary in the style of Samuel Leghorn Clemens because
summer is a lonely, lonely time for me.
Big Moses Tablet Any kindergartner can learn to scrawl like a sedated cardiol-
ogist with a fat pencil and vintage Big Chief tablet from eBay. But a ve-year-old
who can chisel out Mary Had a Little Kosher Lamb in ancient Hebrew is going
places. Whether those places are good wont be known for 15 to 20 years, but Im
pretty sure well be mid-trib by then despite what Hank Hanegraaf may say.
St. Peters Protractor For making sure the angle of the angels is always some
fraction of pi that I no longer recall. Mmmm, pi.
Trapper Releaser It was either Obadiah or Michael W. Smith who said love
isnt love until you give it away. (The wicked Fender Rhodes rif that follows
makes me lean toward Obadiah as Smitty prefers Yamaha synths.) So this
notebook lets the love ow freely as your spawn tromps from trig to western
civ. Love being loosely (Get it? Sorry.) dened as doodles of endearments
regarding one Becky J. Snogsworth.
Pants If my lasik-enhanced, restraining order-outing observations are to
be believed, the dress code at most public schools was written by former
Nair models who seem hades-bent on making short shorts the longest attire
permitted. At St. Iggys we believe in pants. Real pants. Not leggings or jeg-
gings or anything with the word stirrup. And no, jorts are not acceptable for
both aesthetic and etymological reasons. Nor may your posterior have sparkly
adjectives stenciled across it unless its part of your medic alert ID.
iDuct Smart Phone Privacy Screen Devices, as the tech cognoscenti call
them, are everywhere, enabling all manner of snapchatting, instagramming,
tindering and other assorted tomfoolering during study hall and the other 23
hours of the day. Mayhem, madness and data overage charges are their only
fruits. So keep your precious and precocious chitlin(s) from ruining their
chance(s) of going into major debt at an institute of auspicious auspices and
wrap his or her phone in this special security lm that bears a striking resem-
blance duct tape. Covers the screen to protect their eyes from being ofended/
plucked out by ravens, and their cameras to maintain modesty. Assuming you
remembered the pants.
PDA Repellent Just because your neighbors kids can no longer Instavine
(see above) their hormone-driven shenanigans doesnt mean theyll cease and
desist exploring French culture in that nook under the bleachers in the gym.
(Thats right, kids, I know all about the Necking Niche. And if I could remem-
ber the schools wi password, Id hook up a live camera feed to the World
Wide Web. Gnarly!) To nip this lust in the bud, so to speak, we encourage those
who still believe in cooties to carry an ample supply of PDA repellent. Prefer-
ably ice-cold and in the largest Super Soaker your little nerds arms can carry.
The New Strongs Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible Large
Print Edition So your rst-grader can reach the fountains of hopefully not
living water. Please do not substitute a Ryrie Study Bible. We do not need to
encourage the youths to literally stand on the promises of God.
Tissue Tracts Not every student who attends St. Iggys has necessarily come
to Christ. Some may even be Episcopalian. (Thats a joke, Trustee Jones.)
And children, especially the wee ones, seem to plough through facial tissue
(Kimberly-Clark has asked for a separation of church and Kleenex) at a rate
that could deforest the Rockies in an afternoon. So weve decided to put the
message where the mucous is and ask that each family supply 24 boxes of
Pufs Ultra-Proselytizing Tissues with Lotion per quarter. Thirty-six if theyre
allergic to sackcloth.
No. 2 Pencils Little did you know that the folks at I Am Second

have been
sneakily spreading the Word decades before they even existed. And if youre
required to get HB pencils for drafting class, worry not the HB stands for
Herr Bonhoefer.
I must warn you that few of these items are to be found at Target, Walmart or
Dollar General. You will most likely need to make them yourself or visit Siloam.
com, the Amazon.com for believers. Owned by Amazon. Also, for parents
transitioning from homeschooling to life at St. Iggys, please be advised that
your now-unneeded anti-anxiety ingestibles may be disposed of at my ofce.
Or sprinkled on my tithe donut.
I look forward to helping your child(ren) grow in the spirit of Christ, under-
stand was a cosine is and dislodge the occasional piece of Melchizedekian
Macaroni. Heres to another banner year for the Ministerin Minor Prophets of
St. Iggys!
Sincerely,
Horace Altoona, B.S.
Principleal
Jason Fox is not an educator.
Jason writes from Omaha, Nebraska, where he enjoys asking people
just how he ended up in Omaha, Nebraska.
According to some experts
the Trapper Keeper

was an early
incarnation of the smartphone.
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.
Kids from the IBC Tanzania mission team and
their new-found buddies bond over their love
for Chatter.