J U N E 2 0 12

a letter from

Chatter

Think for a moment about snow. Ah, snow. Yes. I remember snow. Its cold. Sometimes slushy. Always mysterious and fleeting, but never neutral. It delights or horrifies. It makes you catch your breath, or breathe a threat at least in Texas. Snow is provocative; you must pick a side. When its thick and dense like the sucked-out structure of a syrup-less Slurpee, snow is fodder for snowball fights, snowmen-crafting, and, most magically, snow angels. Love snow or hate snow, there is a unanimous cheer for snow angels. (Dont you love this subject matter in a month like June?) Since snow was so rare when I was a child, I always experienced a moment of trepidation before laying down in the unpredictable frothiness to flail around. There was only a promise of a delightful angelic creation and the payoff required close proximity, the risk of getting cold, the risk of being absorbed. But once I was on my back and deafened by the roar of crystals scraping under polyester coat sleeves, snow was bliss. Life is like snow. While circumstances may seem ordinary, even the most mundane posses the same exotic ability to make you pick a side. Like snow, circumstances are unpredictable and mysterious, ever changing, never static even on normal days and at every waking moment, we are either disappointed or pleased, with very little neutrality at any point along the way. The places, people and things we encounter are as numerous as snowflakes on a January day (somewhere north of here, that is), and we are constantly forced to deal with a world in which we care, in which we happen to have opinions and preferences about the variations. Its exhausting, isnt it? The question is, will we get down in the deafening middle of it all and flail around? Will we believe the deception that satisfaction is possible if only we get in the thick of life and exert ourselves towards an end that pleases us? And thats where the snow metaphor ends, because life doesnt conform, it wont behave, and the impression we leave will not be angelic at all.

Even King Solomon, the wisest, richest ruler of Israel, wouldnt touch life with a ten-foot pole. He left that to the big guns: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3: 5-6). Not even Solomons vast understanding and resources could be trusted; even his own heart was suspect. Ive always thought he sounds a little paranoid, sort of, like he thinks hes in the Indiana Jones snake pit or something. Lean not, he tells us; lean not. His words are extreme. But life is extreme. (Just like snow. Go figure.) We are to take all the emotional energy of our hearts the fire spent pining for something (or someone) to change, our exertion towards a more secure situation and thrust it at the only One who can make any meaningful headway. We are to lie down and luxuriate not in circumstances that happen to conform with our ideals and dreams, but in the Lord, who never changes and who sets the pace for everything else. We must be militant about how to invest our trust. And I suppose at the end of the day, a straight path is all I really want. Potholes and thieves might litter the straight way, but just knowing Im on a bona fide trajectory prescribed by a loving, intentional Father, is enough to keep my chin up and my gaze set. A straight path is solid footing over waves, its a trail through a blizzard; its an acknowledgement that the scenery may change (and may not be pretty), but that there are more important things to do in this life than sight-see. Thats enough for me. Trust must be enough. Its the only way to really play, to really enjoy the variance, to really negotiate the snake pit. And oh, by the way, I love snow. Just so were clear. June, however, is a different story.

Editor Julie Rhodes Art Direction, Design & Goodness Josh Wiese, Dennis Cheatham, Lindsey Sobolik The Final Say Julie Pierce Admin Extraordinaire Victoria Andrews

Editorial Assistance/Proofing Summer Alexander* Annie Stone* Photography David Farris (5K)* Evan Chavez (Potluck Lunch)* Patty Thompson (My Zone, Like the Dickens)* Jill Park (Game Changer)

Writers Jason Fox* Jenny Simmons* Peggy Norton* Thoughts, comments, ideas? Email Chatter at chatter@irvingbible.org. *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 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 connect.irvingbible.org. New to IBC? Turn to page 18.

Photo Update: Carry the Jerry + Basic 5K

On March 31, over 240 runners participated in the Dallas arm of the 2012 Carry The Jerry + Basic 5K benefiting Water is Basic. An identical race was held the same day in Charlotte, NC, raising thousands of dollars to provide clean drinking water for the people of South Sudan. Relay teams competed with filled jerry cans, and individuals ran the 5K. A typical jerry can filled with water weighs 42 pounds, which Sudanese carry for miles after filling up at the nearest water source each day. (Over 70% of the Sudanese population does not have access to clean water due to years of devastating civil war.) Visit waterisbasic.org to get involved.

LIKE THE DICKENS

They developed Marriage Core, a marriage study currently used in about 30 churches worldwide (implemented at Irving Bible as Marriage at IBC), but Chip and Rebecca Dickens confess theyre just like everybody else.

Their story writes like a movie.

Jock meets class beauty. Jock gets turned down. Three times in a row. Intelligent beauty finally says yes and Jock spends the next four years convincing her that they are going to get married. I love this story, Rebecca says with a playful smile. No wait I want to tell it, Chip says. I really love this story! Chip and Rebecca, the husband and wife team behind the internationally known marriage study, Marriage Core, seem unlikely candidates to write a ground-breaking marriage curriculum because they are way too...normal. Ok, you tell the story, Rebecca says with an amused smile. Ok. So I went to Texas Wesleyan to play basketball. And that was it. I literally showed up thinking that I would work my way into classes after I played for a season or two. I didnt know you had to register for classes or take classes.
ABOUT THE DICKENS Chip and Rebecca have been married 20 years. Chip is a professor in the Biblical Counseling Department at DTS and Rebecca has a masters degree in Math, which she uses as a private math coach. They have two children: Josh, 14, and Jill, 11. Chip once legitimately believed the green, pocket size New Testament he was given when he was 16 years old was contraband. He didnt know Bibles were allowed to leave the church and found it ludicrous that you could buy one at Wal-Mart. Rebecca really does have a great-great-great Uncle Moses. To find out more, visit MarriageCore.com.

Can you believe that? Hes serious. He really didnt know he had to register, interjects Rebecca. The only thing left was an 8 a.m. business class, Chip says, recalling the first time he spoke to his future wife. And there was this crazy cute girl on the front row, all dressed up, and I wanted to talk to her. Legend has it, Chip found a way to run into Rebecca at the end of class one day and Rebecca politely said, Isnt it nice to have that project done? To which Chip replied, I dont know. I havent started. Well thats stupid, she said, and smugly walked away. Headed into my first journalistic interview since high school, I, Jenny, felt a bit nervous about interviewing marriage experts. I assumed Chip and Rebecca would be well into their 60s or early 70s, with flowing gray hair (the pre-cursor of true wisdom) and a brood of grandchildren. I prepared myself for long, awkward, loving gazes between the two sages and wondered if I would end up confessing the fights that happen in my own marriage, and if Chip and Rebecca would then give me the tender and obsolete advice an old man gave me in college, Whatever you do just hug it out. I prefer bickering and sleeping on the couch, old man. What I found instead were two adults in their mid-40s, who laughed a lot, poked fun at each other, respected one another, and swear by the fact that they are not marriage experts.
The phrase I cannot tell what the dickens his name is appears in William Shakespeares The Merry Wives of Windsor.

Being (More Than) Friends

Chatter | 4

I dont know how to be a husband, Chip says humbly. As soon as we were married, I felt so ill-prepared to be a good husband. I didnt have anything to fall back on. Chips dad bailed when he was 12 years old, and he didnt grow up in a church where he might have seen husbands and wives striving to honor God in their marriages. Chip was a blank slate. What I saw growing up is not what I wanted to fall back on. I realized early on that the only thing I had to fall back on was Christ, who enables me to be a good husband. Thats it. I rely on that grace. And then I experiment. Experimenting seems to be the key for a marriage that went from being on two parallel tracks to becoming a union of two deeply intertwined friends. Four years into marriage, we left all of our friends and family and everything we knew and moved to Los Angeles for Chips first real job after getting his Ph.D., Rebecca says. There are like 13.5 million people in this city and we dont know any of them and they dont know us, Rebecca remembers, adding, And we have to be friends now, Chip! Rebeccas upbringing was the complete opposite of Chips. Loving family, chock-full of generations of pastors and missionaries. (Chip informs me, with some sarcasm, that hes pretty sure most of her family can be traced back to Moses.) But her familys deep love and loyalty created friction in the early years of Chip and Rebeccas marriage because it was difficult for the young couple to create enough space from her family to truly bond with one another. The emotional and geographic space from friends and family was one of the best things to ever happen to our marriage, Chip says. Before California there was no us or we. We loved each other, but in California God helped us start becoming one. When there is no one else, you have to depend on each other. You have to be the only other person for your spouse during that season, Chip says. Fast forward 17 years, two children, and a few career moves later, and Chip and Rebecca are still working on the ins and outs of marriage...while other people watch. As a new believer, at the age of 20 or so, I thought I was supposed to spend energy on pretending our marriage was good instead of using that energy to be something else, Chip says. Marriage is where our faith has gotten lived out, Chip reflects. We realized that more than books or seminars or anything else, the key to having a good relationship was this idea that our relationship with each other should reflect who God is. Rebecca adds, God has been writing our story. And we have kept coming around to this theme of however we love one another whatever that looks like it should be a display case or an advertisement of Gods love.
Figuring It OutKinda

And thats the guiding principle behind their marriage love each other in a way that reflects who God is. In light of this discovery, Chip, who is a Professor of Biblical Counseling at Dallas Theological Seminary, has been a keen observer of the pitfalls common to marriage ministry. Professionally, I could see what was going on in marriage ministries around the country. They were all ministries that would show up for a big event, and after they left town, there wouldnt be any transformation. Kind of like going to youth camp normal life wouldnt change. Rebecca and I started thinking, what if it wasnt like a big event, but just an authentic conversation and a handful of couples having a weekly conversation about marriage? It was around that time that the Fusion class at IBC asked Chip and Rebecca if they would come talk about marriage-y things. Instead of teaching, the couple would get on stage and bare it all. We didnt mind letting people eavesdrop. Instead of teaching, it was us on stage, being open, authentic, vulnerable letting them see our messiness. Sharing our own stories and working out some of our own issues on stage felt like the most honest and real way to talk about marriage, Rebecca says. The thing is, you cant just go to a one and done experience to transform or fix your marriage because marriage isnt a one and done. What began as reality sessions lived out in front of other couples in The Alcove at Irving Bible Church has since turned into a 24-session course, comprised of conversation starters to guide couples through honest, vulnerable conversations. Now its used around the world in over 30 churches. Giving hope to anyone who thinks they are not qualified or are ill-prepared to be in a healthy marriage, the very normal Chip and Rebecca prove time and time again that being in a loving marriage is possible for anyone.

We realized that more than books or seminars or anything else, the key to having a good relationship was this idea that our relationship with each other should reflect who God is.

Im not an expert, says Chip. The beauty about the Marriage Core material is that there is no expert in the room. Were just normal. We are normal couples, some further along in the journey than others, all with the same goal of figuring out how to have a marriage that reflects Christ. Were all just trying to figure it out together.

Jenny Simmons loves storytelling.

Jenny, Ryan, and their daughter Annie moved to Nashville this month after a lifetime in Dallas and six years at IBC. They already miss Chatter. To keep up with the storytelling, visit jennysimmons.com.

Get involved in Marriage at IBC

If you had to rate your marriage on a scale of one to ten, what would you give it? Seriously, think about it for a second. If youre interested in reigniting your marriage in the context of open, honest community, consider Marriage at IBC. See ad, pg. 17.

The city of Los Angeles was founded on September 4, 1781, by Spanish governor Felipe de Neve.

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, married couples have dropped below half of all American households for the first time.

Chatter | 5

Fathers Day is June 17. Heres what My Zone kids had to say about what they love so much about their dads.

I love my dad because he lets me have sugar. Paige (Kindergarten) I love my dad because I really love him. Madison (1st grade) I love my dad because he is playful. Jaylon (2nd grade) He is an awesome fisherman and he takes care of me. Matthew (3rd grade) He is the best. He makes me laugh. He takes me places. He makes me a good Christian. He is the dad everyone wants to have.
Karsynn (4th grade)

1. You have grace. 2. You love me. 3. You are nice. 4. I love you. 5. From Emily your Daughter
Emily (5th grade)

My Zone is a great place for kids to experience Gods love in the context of fun, friendships, and plenty of SLIME. Games, crafts, prizes, music, dancing, snacks and Scripture study make Wednesday nights at IBC a must for elementary kids. Watch for fall kickoff details in Chatter.

Next Gen at IBC Joins the Mission

Take a moment to pray for the following teams of children, middle and high school students, and young adults as they travel the world on behalf of IBC.
Young Adults: June 24-JulY 4

The Summer 2012 Prayer Guide

Mombasa, Kenya

Middle scHool: June 9-14

New Orleans, LA

Mission: The team will be working in an outreach library started by IBC mis-

sionaries to build relationships with Muslims in the community. They will also be teaching classes and possibly doing a camp for kids.

Mission: Almost 10 years ago, New Orleans experienced a life-altering hurri-

Pray for: Team unity, flexibility and vulnerability; for the people they meet, that they would be open to Christ; for Jackie, who runs the library as she prepares to host the team even while preparing to get married in August. HigH scHool: June 25-JulY 1

cane. Many areas still look the way they did weeks after the storm hit. Students will be tearing down, cleaning up and building homes in the inner city of NOLA. They will also be helping a low-performing school district improve its national ranking by cleaning and refurbishing classrooms. those still impacted by Hurricane Katrina.

Pray for: Students and staff as they become the hands and feet of Jesus to

Navajo Indian Reservation (Apache, Arizona)

Mission: The native population of the Southwest has suffered under the

Middle scHool: JulY 30-August 2

DFW area

weight of extreme poverty, racism, substance abuse and political corruption, but it is also alive with stories, culture, art, and dance. The high school team will spend a week among the Navajo learning about their culture and history, and serving the Navajo people in a variety of ways. team will show Christs love with their actions.

Mission: One of the biggest values communicated in the IBC middle school

Pray for: Open hearts from the people the team will be serving, and that the

ministry is that mission is not just something you do in Honduras or NOLA mission can be done in your own backyard. The local trip for IBC middle school will be an opportunity for students to experience (and help to meet) the great needs here in the DFW area. spreading the Gospel of Jesus to inner-city children and families.

Pray for: Students and staff as they support one of our West Dallas partners in

HigH scHool: JulY 28-August 3

Honduras, Central America

Zone 6:30 (eleMentArY): June 25-JulY 4

Mission: The team will participate in work projects at local schools, feeding

Moshi, Tanzania (close to Mt. Kilimanjaro)

impoverished children, delivering gifts to orphans, and working alongside the Missionaries of Charity at their home for the elderly and those affected by AIDS.

Mission: Kids from IBC will get the chance to meet all five of the Compassion

Pray for: Strength, endurance, and love while serving the children.

International children Zone 6:30 sponsors, as well as serve in a local orphanage. In partnership with ALARM, the team will host a conference for 20 local church leaders on childrens ministry. Kids will get the opportunity to experience the local culture and way of life by attending a church service, going to the market, visiting a coffee plantation, and going on safari. stand their part in Gods world mission.

Pray for: Travel safety, physical health, and that the IBC kids would under-

otHer iBc teAMs going out tHis suMMer

Goma, Congo

Pray for: the IBC men who will be teaching at the Pastor Training Conference.

A gAMe cHAnger
ESL at IBC opens doors to faith and friendship for Misae

isae Amemiya liked to play the lottery but not for money. If Misae won this lottery, it would change her life. In Tokyo, Japan the game of chance Misae was trying to win was the Green Card lottery, a congressionally mandated program that gives people from other countries a chance to win a United States Permanent Resident Card.

Misae explains that her family did not go to temple all the time or live a strict Buddhist lifestyle, so when she came to the States she was open to trying different religions, and visited many different churches over the years. Although she enjoyed learning about different religious traditions, even today Misae admits being confused by all of the denominations. But when Misae visited IBC in 2005, things began to change. When I started coming to IBC, I felt good about coming to church again. Its such a welcoming place, and I am always amazed at the stories I hear when I am here, Misae explains. It is a privilege to meet such good people. Misae had been coming to IBC with Susan for about six months when she learned about the ESL (English as a Second Language) class offered on Wednesday nights. At first she was reluctant to attend because of the time commitment, but she knew she wanted to improve her English, and the ESL class offered her the resources she needed. According to Corey Wallis, the ESL program facilitator, the class is open to anyone in the community and is not just about teaching English. Its a practical way to show love, Corey explains. And it was this love and acceptance that Misae found in the class that made her stay and began to make a significant impact in her life. It is an honor for me to know such great people, and the teachers are amazing, Misae says. I feel a sense of accomplishment. And well she should. The hardest part of learning English is the slang, according to Misae. Misae recalls when she first came to the U.S. and someone used the phrase, needle in

The third time was a charm for Misae, and she finally won the game and set off to begin the adventure of a lifetime. She left behind her parents and a brother and traveled over 5,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean and landed in California. Misae was fortunate enough to be working for an employer in Japan that had offices in California, but her internship ended just a few months later. Finding California an expensive place to live, Misae reached out to some friends she knew who had relocated to Texas and decided to join them. Once again, she was on the move. When Misae got to Texas, she was able to find a job working for an airline. She was finally getting settled and becoming accustomed to life in the U.S. Dallas seemed like a small town to me, compared to all the people in Tokyo, Misae says. And the biggest difference I noticed was that everyone was so open and friendly. Misae embraced her new life in the States and continued to make friends. Her job at the airlines eventually ended, but she continued to find her way and meet many new people. When she met Susan, they quickly became best friends. Susan grew up in Korea so she and Misae had many things in common, except for one. Susan grew up in a Christian home, but Misae had grown up as a Buddhist.

Chatter | 8

Idioms can really open a can of worms.

ESL meets Wednesday nights at IBC.

About ESL at Irving Bible Church

a haystack. She had no idea what that meant until the man who said it took her for a drive and showed her what a haystack looked like. It was only then that she realized how hard it would be to find a hidden needle. Misae says that one of the best things about learning English is that she has been able to learn more about Christianity and is better able to read and study the Bible. After being in the ESL class for the past two years, she feels she may be ready to attend the Womens Bible Study at IBC. But Misae was not the only one to benefit from the ESL class. One of her former instructors asked Misae to help him learn to speak Japanese, so she agreed to teach him. Now, he has been teaching English in Japan at a private, Christian school and recently decided to renew his contract for another year. It is this give-and-take, easy camaraderie that makes the ESL class and IBC so dear to Misae. What started out as a visit to a church has become a life changing, affirming experience as Misae continues to improve her English skills and learn more about what it means to be a Christian. Misae is still brought to tears by a story she recalls about one of the first times she went down to the altar to pray during a service. It was a very emotional moment, and when she returned to her seat, she was crying. A gentleman seated close by came up to her when the service was over, touched her arm and told her he would pray for her. Misae could not believe that a complete stranger would pray for someone he did not even know. Even today, she would like to meet that man and thank him for his kindness. (It was the 10:45 a.m. service if you are out there!) A friend told Misae that the gentleman was

The ESL class is held every Wednesday night as part of 2435 Kinwest, IBCs community center night. According to Corey Wallis, the ESL facilitator, all are welcome regardless of their English proficiency. The class groups students into three different levels depending on their abilities. Currently, there are about 25 people enrolled. If you would like to volunteer, it is not necessary for you to speak another language or have teaching experience just a heart to serve. Contact 2435esl@irvingbible.org.

her guardian angel; Misae agreed, and is starting to understand the kindness of strangers when they have the love of Christ in their hearts. Also, Misae says that Easter is now her favorite holiday. Although Misae misses her family she tries to get back once a year to visit she is extremely happy and gracious about the road she has traveled with all of its twists and turns: California, Texas, Irving Bible Church, and finally, her friends in ESL. And all because she won the lottery. Peggy Norton wants to give a shout out to her small group members: Cheryl & David, Debra & Patrick, Christy, Reed and Lisa, to let them know that they are a great source of encouragement.
Peggy Norton is a communications professional with over 20 years of writing experience primarily in corporate communications. She has been married for 27 years and has one son Brandon who is attending UNT. In addition to writing for Chatter, she is an IBC small group leader.

According to a 2009 Japan Times article, fewer than one percent of Japanese are Christian.

A 2008 Baylor University poll found that 55% of those interviewed answered affirmatively to the statement, I was protected from harm by a guardian angel.

Chatter | 9

TemperaTure appropriaTe acTiviTies for Texas: A Nifty Guide

Move to Australia. In your delirium, enjoy mental ice fishing. Plead with your Maker.

real stuff To Do

Its June in DFW and that means bigger, better bugs, and bigger, better stuff to do. Check out these family-friendly events. Most are free!
flag Day celebraTion: June 14

Slather epidermis with SPF 89,000. Listen to it giggle. Hawk kidney on Craigs List to pay air conditioning bill.

Officials in Grapevine will hold the citys annual Flag Day Celebration on Tuesday, June 14 at 11 a.m. The event is free, and will take place at Grapevines Gazebo, located in the 300 block of Main Street in Historic Downtown Grapevine. The event is open to the general public, with cookies and lemonade to be served upon conclusion of the program.
friDay fireworks June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Bargaining phase: Oh Lord, never again will I snicker about Snuggies. Mark your calendar: Its June of 2012. Anger phase: Really? Really? Search in vain for optimism. Denial phase: Surely, surely this is it.

Enjoy a 12-minute fireworks display taking place over Lake Grapevine every Friday night at 9:30 p.m. Best viewing locations are your favorite lake parks or on top of the parking garage at the Gaylord Texan Resort.
forT worTh herD cow camp may 26sepTember 2, 1:302:30 p.m.

Feel a bit uncomfortable. Spritz Evian at your discretion. Sun yourself on the veranda. (Say with British accent.) Visit the park/zoo/duck pond. Commence self-delusion. Second-guess Cosby sweaters. Shyly break out flip-flops. Avoid eye contact. (Do not avoid pedicure.)

Children and adults experience life on the trail and see how authentic equipment was used during the cattle drive era. Cost is free; address is 131 E Exchange Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76164 at the Livestock Exchange Building.
kiD To Do aT The Dallas Zoo June 2, 6-9 p.m.

Notice speck of frost on windshield. Check for school closings. Celebrate Christmas and/or a chilly Texas Easter and/or Pumpkin Spiced Lattes.

The first annual Kid To Do at the Dallas Zoo will feature approximately 20 restaurants serving kid-friendly fare along with fun, festive activities for the whole family including entertainment by award-winning childrens singer and performer Eddie Coker, giraffe feedings, exploration of the new Koala Walkabout exhibit, animal encounters, bounce houses, a DJ and dancing, a private bird show, face painting, and more! Cost: $60. Children 2 and under are free.
sounDs of lewisville concerT series: June 5, 7-9 p.m.

Ice fish in the Trinity River. EAT AT YOUR PERIL.

Merrily go tobogganing, and then learn to spell it. Do not drive. Do not go outside. Do not collect $200. Do not play MONOPOLY.

The Sounds of Lewisville concert series offers a free summertime family entertainment option in Old Town Lewisville. Concerts will be every Tuesday until July 31. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs/ blankets. Outside food and beverages are not allowed, but can be purchased on site. Event is dog friendly.
family movie Time aT The library: June 26, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Join the Irving Central Library on the fourth Tuesday of every month for a family-friendly movie and free snacks.

When the responses of people from 1,000 churches who took the REVEAL survey were analyzed, Reflection on Scripture was discovered to be more likely to help people grow in spiritual maturity than any other practice by a significant margin. This was true across all levels of spiritual maturity: beginning, intermediate, and advanced.
INTErvIEW: JOE rATLIFF

Bible Reading and Reflection at IBC

The Bible Reading and Reflection seminar at IBC is an experience designed to deepen your relationship with Jesus as you spend time reading and reflecting on the Bible. You will learn to hear from God as you read his Word, and discover how to make Scripture reading experiences more spiritual, powerful, joyful, and understandable. Heres what one IBCer has to say about it.

Hes just a regular Joe with two great kids, a wife, and a mean underhand pitch. IBCer and former IBC softballer Joe Ratliff attended the IBC Mens retreat this year and found a new way forward in his spiritual growth through the Bible Reading and Reflection seminar.
Chatter First off, does anything intimidate you about the Bible? Joe ratliff I would read 5 or 6 pages of the Bible and look back on it and say,

phrase? It is a way to make the passage apply instead of just reading for entertainment. If youre reading a smaller section, it means more to you.
Chat How has your view of the Bible

changed?

Ok, what does that mean to me? I could recount the story and I wasnt intimidated by it, but I couldnt understand how to internalize it; how to comprehend the meaning behind the lesson. I would get the stories, but not how they apply to me.

Jr Ive always known that the Bible is kind of the road map; your guiding light as Gods Word. Ive always known that, so my view has not changed, but my understanding has changed. Now Im able to follow the road map instead of just wandering around. Chat How has your life changed? Jr I only did this a couple of months ago, so give me a break! [Laughs.] No, I find myself wanting to read the Bible more frequently. Chat Who is the ideal candidate for Bible Reading and Reflection? Jr I think if you have faith that what the Bible says is real if youre not on the fence then thats when this really becomes valuable. Its more about learning to feed from the Bible, as opposed to the basic stuff of acceptance and believing. You can come to belief in the Bible by doing this seminar, probably, but it seems to me once youre there, you have to be taught how to fish.

Chat What inspired you to attend the seminar? Jr I grew up a nice little southern Baptist boy, but despite being in the church, nobody had ever explained how to read and study the Bible. Ive always read it like you would a novel or a story, chapter after chapter. I wanted to dive in a little bit deeper. Chat What was the most useful takeaway from that morning? Jr To actually shorten the sections youre reading, and to internalize what youre reading. Focus on a word from a passage, a phrase from a passage. Ask, What does that passage mean for my life in relation to that word or that

WHAT OTHEr PArTICIPANTS HAvE SAID:

I never knew that I could experience the Bible in this way. God has already shown me so much. This class is outside the box down to the details of thinking, reading, retention, and research.
Attend the Bible Reading and Reflection class this summer.
Date: June 23 Time: 9 a.m.Noon Where: West D Register: brr.irvingbible.org

The Gutenberg Bible owned by the University of Texas at Austin was purchased in 1978 for $2.4 million.

The word Bible comes from a Greek word meaning the books.

Chatter | 11

Teach Me To Pray by Kay Arthur: Preface

Are you hurting, Beloved? Does the pain run deep? And when I call you Beloved, do you believe it? Do you ever find yourself wondering whether you are truly loved by anyone even God? Then again, perhaps pain isnt the issue in your life right now. Even so, you feel torn by confusion, stress, or doubts. Perhaps youre so pressured, so burdened, and so weighed down that you wonder how youre going to make it. The news is bad the situation difficult the crisis overwhelming the insecurity debilitating the decision-making process scary. On any given day you can find yourself concerned about any or all of the following: yourself, your spouse (having one, not having one), children (wishing, wanting,

having, wishing you didnt), your friends, your finances. The future. The past. The present. What will you do? How will you make it? Where will you turn? There are answers to those questions, loved one, and you can find them in the Word of God and in prayer, as you cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you. The Word of God is the foundation for everything else in our lives. According to Jesus Himself, man lives by every word that comes out of the mouth of God. The Word of God is God-breathed. Thats the very term the apostle Paul used in his letter to young Timothy: All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16). The word inspired in this passage comes from a Greek word that literally means God-breathed. When God speaks on any given issue, what He speaks is truth. What He commands is to be obeyed. God has spoken and it stands. We are to believe and obey. Yet being a Christian is more than merely believing promises and obeying commands. At its very essence, Christianity isnt a religion, its a relationship. And as we all know, a relationship requires a high commitment to communication. Thats where prayer comes in. It is through prayer that you and I communicate with our heavenly Father. Think about the everyday needs and demands in our lives: the decisions we must make, the wisdom we need, the resources we require, the relationships that need so much tending, discernment, and sacrifice. Is it any wonder the Bible says, Pray without ceasing?

A Summer Womens Bible Study

Do you sometimes struggle with prayer? How to pray? What to pray?
Being a Christian is more than merely believing promises and obeying commands. At its very essence, Christianity isnt a religion; its a relationship. And as we all know, a relationship requires a high commitment to communication. Thats where prayer comes in. Join us this summer as we learn to pray Gods way, according to his Word.

We need the strength, wisdom, and love of the Lord in our lives, and we need these things desperately. Though Scripture sets forth all of the goals and standards for everyday life in principle, it usually doesnt fill in the practical details. Thats why we need to talk and listen to our heavenly Father. This, Beloved, is prayer. And thats what this study is all about learning to pray Gods way, according to His Word. Its about learning how to talk to God anytime about anything and everything. Or to put it in words that resonate with our spirit, prayer is about communion with God. This journey of learning youre about to embark on has already been completed by hundreds of thousands of people all over the world, many of whom have written to Precept Ministries with testimonies of what a help and an encouragement it has been in their lives. I offer this book with the prayer that God will use it mightily to teach you to pray according to His will, and that His words on prayer will abide in you. Remember, Jesus said, If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you (John 15:7). I am so excited about the truths you are going to learn from the precious Word of God in the following pages, and the incredible difference I know they will make in your life and in your relationship with the sovereign ruler of the universe. In just four short weeks we will learn Gods basic precepts on prayerprinciples that will give you a thoroughgoing biblical understanding of this crucial area of life. What you learn in this study, dear child of God, will be yours to put into practice for a lifetime, just as Jesus intended when He taught His own disciples how to pray.

A 5-week Bible Study for Women Lord, Teach Me to Pray by Kay Arthur
July 10 August 7, 2012 Tuesdays, 6:308:30 p.m. Registration is $15 (includes workbook). For more info or to register, visit women.irvingbible.org. KidZone is available by advance registration, and costs $10/child. Register your child for: KidZone-Summer Womens BS-7/10/12.

Taken from: LORD, TEACH ME TO PRAY IN 28 DAYS Revised and updated, Copyright 1982/2008 by Kay Arthur Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97402 www.harvesthousepublishers.com Used by Permission. Not to be reproduced.

Chatter | 12

Governor Rick Perry declared April 2224, 2011, as Days of Prayer for Rain in the State of Texas.

About to put Chatter down? Dont cease without praying.

Potluck Lunch and Fellowship/The Bridge

On Sunday April 15, the senior community at IBC gathered for their monthly potluck lunch following the 10:45 p.m. service. Fondly dubbed the seasoned saints, IBCers of a certain age also enjoy taking in local theater and eating out together every month. Check out This Month for the latest happenings with Seniors at IBC (pg. 14-15). In an effort to enrich the lives of young and old alike at IBC and cultivate meaningful relationships that span generations, IBCs Young Adults ministry will be hosting The Bridge on June 14, a get-together designed to connect women of all ages in a fun, relaxed venue. The Bridge will be Thursday, June 14 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Contact thebridge@irvingbible.org for details.

Potluck and Lunch & Fellowship

Potluck and Lunch & Fellowship

The Bridge

The Bridge

THURSDAY,
6:308:30 p.m.

June 14

$8 for dinner

RSVP at thebridge@irvingbible.org.

On May 17, 1884, P. T. Barnum helped to squelch doubts about the Brooklyn Bridges stability by parading 21 elephants across its length.

Chatter potluck recipe: one part Kentucky, all parts Fried, and twelve parts Chicken.

Chatter | 13

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. Middle School room Couples in their 40s & 50s Join us as we dive into scripture and deepen our faith. The Tree 9 a.m. West D 20s & 30s, married and young families Please join us as we grow together in faith and in our marriages. Crossroads 10:45 a.m. High School room 20s & 30s, Married Join us for group discussion and community. Journey 10:45 a.m. Middle School room All Welcome This summer we will be studying the book Twelve People of Influence in Gods Kingdom. On Track 10:45 West C Single Parents Join us as we sit together at the 9 a.m. service (the lower right hand side of the worship center) and then meet to discuss the sermon. renew 10:45 a.m. Training Center Diverse, All Ages & Stages

Will be talking a break for the summer until September 5. Contact Beth at bhorn@irvingbible.org.
Zone 6:30 Will be talking a break for the summer until September 11. Contact Beth at bhorn@irvingbible.org.

could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister, contact stephenministry@irvingbible.org.

8 p.m.: ICT Mainstage presents A Few Good Men. For tickets call the Box Office at (972) 252-2787.
Potluck Lunch and Fellowship June potluck cancelled due to Fathers Day.

MArrIAGE

Growing Together
Marriage at IBC Sunday nights, 6:45 p.m. West C/D A small group-based marriage series designed to help couples reconnect in the context of community. Visit marriage.irvingbible.org to register. KidZone is available, but you must register your child. See article pg. 16.

Please contact bgroezinger@ verizon.net.

ESPAOL

Bilingual Ministry
Traduccin del servicio dominical Ser suspendida temporalmente. Checa Chatter para futuros detalles. Sunday Service Translations Will take a temporary hiatus. Watch Chatter for details.

SINGLE PArENTS

Community and Resources

volunteers needed! To mentor children from single parent families. Contact Marsha at mtribbett@irvingbible.org. Sit with us on Sunday! Several single-parent families enjoy worshiping together in the 9 a.m. service. Come and join us in the lowest right-hand section, Rows 5 & 6, facing the stage.

MEN FAITH & BELIEF

Events and Resources
Bible reading and reflection Saturday, June 23 8 a.m.12 p.m. West D See article pg. 11. Contact Kym at kyeichner@irvingbible.org for more information.

Ministry to Men
First Watch Summer Series June 29 at 6:30 a.m. Come hear Mario Flores, president of Top Notch Coaching. Breakfast provided. See ad pg. 17. First Watch Xtra Meets Wednesdays at 6:30 a.m. in the Training Center.

SMALL GrOUPS
Community at IBC
Groups are on break until August. Contact Ryan Sanders with questions at rsanders@irvingbible.org.

Visit men.irvingbible.org for more info.

HOPE & HEALING

Community Care
recovery at IBC Thursdays, 68:30 p.m. West Wing Youth Lounge Do you deal with perfectionism, pride, overeating, inappropriate anger or control? Recovery is confidential and all are welcome. Join us for a light meal at 6 p.m. for just $4. NAMI Class Mondays, 6:309:30 p.m. West B Please join us starting May 26 for our Family to Family class. Contact Joey at (972) 672-5896 or joey@ netbreezeinc.com. Mental Health Support Every other Monday 6:30 p.m. West A and C Family Grace Group is for family members, friends, and caregivers of those with serious mental disorders. Contact Buzz Moody at myrabuzz@ gmail.com. The Living Grace Group For those who suffer with mental illness. Contact Melissa Clark at melisser34@yahoo.com. Stephen Ministry at IBC A one-to-one caregiving ministry for people going through hard times on lifes journey. 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

MISSIONS

STUDENTS

Local and Global

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 http://llpirving.org or contact info@llpirving.org.

Middle/High School and College

register Now: Beach Camp High School, July 1317 Middle School, July 1720. See ad pg. 16. Middle School Sundays MERGE AM Meets in the Alcove, 10:45 a.m.12:05 p.m.

Join us as we explore what it looks like to be empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Thrive 10:45 a.m. West D Singles in their 30s & 40s Join us as we study spiritual disciplines through Ruth Haley Bartons Sacred Rhythms. Legacy Builders 6:45 p.m. West A All Welcome Join us we enjoy fellowship, prayer, and in-depth Bible teaching. Please visit page 20 for more Sunday Bible Communities.

June 6 Middle School cookout.

Middle School Wednesdays The W Meets in the Student Ministry area, 6:308 p.m. High School Sundays Table Discussions Meets in the Student Ministry area, 6:458 p.m. Topic: What I wish I wouldve known in high school. High School Wednesdays SWAG (Students Worship and Gathering) Meets in the Alcove, 6:30-8 p.m. SWAG will be off June 18. IBC College Ministry Meets Sundays at 6:458 p.m. Meets in the MO. IBC serves a delicious meal each Wednesday and Sunday night for $3.

PArENTING

Events and Resources

Save The Date: Shop Talk September 9 Creating and Maintaining Wise Boundaries. For parents of kids of all ages.

CHILDrEN

Infants Through 5th Grade

vBS: SKY Will be June 18-21. Register online today at vbs.irvingbible.org. See ad pg. 17. respite Care Every fourth Saturday For families that have children with special needs. For info, contact Shannon at specialneeds@irvingbible.org. MyZone Wednesdays, 6:308:30 p.m. Zone/Zone Jr.

SENIOrS

For Folks Ages 55+

Dinner and a Show Thursday, June 14 6:30 p.m.: Dinner at Southern Recipe, located on Story Rd and Walnut Hill. Please come to dinner even if you cant make the show.

Contact mconnor@irvingbible.org.

Chatter | 14

WOMEN

Ministry to Women
Save the Date Summer Womens Bible Study July 10 This 5-week study will explore how to pray Gods way, according to his word. See ad. pg. 12.

volleyball Night Sunday, July 1, 6:30 p.m. Yucatan Beach Club Join us for a night of volleyball and community! Save The Date The Gathering Kick-Off August 9 Weekly Groups Many young adults (marrieds, singles and mixed) meet in smaller groups during the week and Sunday evenings to connect in community and grow in Christ. If you are interested in learning more, contact youngadults@irvingbible.org. The Breakfast Club Sundays, 10 a.m. The Mosiac Caf Join us for some conversation and light breakfast before the 10:45 a.m. service.

AZ14 & 15 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 Anna Heil at aheil@ irvingbible.org.

texasniche06@gmail.com or check www.texasniche.com.

Stitches of Faith Tuesdays, 6:308:30 p.m. The Haven Join us as we crochet and knit. We are working on 12x12 squares for the VA Hospital, and baby booties/ caps. For more info, contact Myrna Vick at myrnavick@verizon.net. IBC Crop Night Friday, June 1 Commons Annex Bring your pictures, albums, and tools and lets crop. Paper crafters and digital scrappers also welcome. For more information please contact Nikki at nikkiscraps@verizon.net. IBC spring softball, Mens and Coed. We like to form teams in the city leagues of Lewisville, Euless and Carrollton on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday nights. Contact Kurt Heinemann at kurtheine76@yahoo.com or (972) 765-9912. Thrive Missions Dinner Saturday, June 23, 610 p.m. IBC Commons Dinner and auction supporting Thrive summer missions. For more info visit ibcthrive.wordpress.com/ missions-dinner. Hearing Assistance Hearing Assistance is available during all three worship services. Stop by the Journey Lounge for instructions. New Arrivals Congratulations to the following families on the births of their children:

Sign up today at women.irvingbible. org. Visit women.irvingbible.org.

YOUNG ADULTS
20s and Early 30s
The Gathering Will be taking a break for the summer until August 9.

Check out these Young Adult summer events in June:

Family Dinner Thursday, June 7 Betsys House Come celebrate the end of our spring season and hear whats coming in the fall. Man Party Friday, June 8 Email youngadults@irvingbible.org for more info. The Bridge Thursday, June 14 See ad pg 13. Softball Game Saturday, June 16 Come watch or play the Thrive Bible Community with us. Serve with us Thursday, June 21 IBC We will be partnering with VBS and Family Promise to serve dinner and spend time with the families staying at IBC.

Be sure to join our Facebook group (IBC Young Adults) or subscribe to our eLetter (by emailing youngadults@irvingbible.org) to learn about fun summer get-togethers in July. Email youngadults@irvingbible.org for more info.

Visit 2435kinwest.org.

MISCELLANEOUS
A Little Bit of Everything
In His Image Bible Study Wednesdays, 6:307:45 p.m. AZ15 A small group for adults (18+) with special needs. If you know of someone who would benefit from this group, please contact Shannon Miller at specialneeds@irvingbible. org. NICHE (North Irving Christian Home Educators) The Board of Directors is busily preparing for the 2012-2013 school year. Mark your calendar for the Kick-Off Meeting on Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. For more info, contact

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 of all levels 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.

Amber and Chad Bearden and their son Elijah John, born April 13, at 8 lbs, 1 oz, and 20.5 inches.

The Gospel of Mark

Sunday Worship at IBC Becoming a Christian means embracing a Savior who loves us and calls us to follow him. We call this discipleship, and at its core is learning how to live like Jesus lived, love like Jesus loved, and serve like Jesus served. Discipleship is what the Gospel of Mark is all about. As we follow along with Marks story, we will experience what Jesus really means when he says,Come follow me. Join us Sundays at 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m. or 5 p.m.

June 3: Images of the Kingdom June 10: Natures King June 17: Authority over Evil June 24: Hope for the Hopeless Visit media.irvingbible.org to listen to recent Sunday sermons.

Chatter | 15

HIgH SCHooL SummEr Camp July 1317

Join us as we head to Gulf Shores, Alabama for a week of great teaching and worship. The theme is Fully Human (Romans 12) with speaker David McNeely. Cost is $345. Register now! Contact mconnor@irvingbible.org for more info.

Middle School SuMMer caMp July 1720

Were packing our bags and heading for Gulf Shores, Alabama. Speaker Steve Fitzhugh will teach us how to Get Over Yourself (Romans 12). Cost is $320. For more info, contact mconnor@irvingbible.org.

VBS 2012

June 1821 9 a.m.12 p .m. at IBC

at VBS this summer, your child will learn that God is totally trustworthy. Imagine the joy, freedom, and thrill of knowing that with God, all things are possible! SKY will be a fun-filled week for kids to connect with their friends, grow in Christ or begin their faith journey for the very first time and reach out to their neighbors and friends. VBS is for children entering K-5th grade. Cost $20 per child (before June 1) $30 per child (after June 1) $50 max per family Scholarships are available. Register: vbs.irvingbible.org. Online registration closes June 13. Walk in registation will be available monday morining, June 18.

Married?

First Watch

If you had to rate your marriage on a scale of one to ten, where would it rate? Seriously. Think about it for a second.

Summer

SerieS
JUNe 29, 6:30 A.M.

Mario Flores
President of Top Notch Coaching The Heart-Centered Mind
Meets in The Commons. Breakfast is provided.*
July 27, 6:30 a.m. Everson Walls, former Dallas Cowboy, Serious Generosity August 28, 6:30 p.m. First Watch Kick-off BBQ Dinner Sujo John, I Am Second, Buried but not lost at Ground Zero First Watch Resumes in September For more info, contact Kym at kyeichner@irvingbible.org.

Marriage at IBC is a collection of couples small groups working in community to strengthen their marriages and move towards oneness. Whether your marriage needs to be reignited or resurrected, Marriage at IBC is a safe place for you to reconnect with one another among friends. Marriage at IBC kicks off September 9. Watch Chatter for details.

For more info contact: Kym at kyeichner@irvingbible.org. *There is no charge for breakfast but all proceeds from donations benefit New Friends New life.

Want to be christian Bale?

You remember, from Newsies. Maybe you dont have the Brooklyn accent. No problem. Maybe youre female. Do we look worried? No. Chatter is here for you. Yes, its herein boxes, fresh off the press every month, just waiting to be set out by a paper-phile like yourself.

If youre looking for a fun way to serve and would love a first glimpse of Chatter every month, get your knickers on and box-step over to vandrews@irvingbible.org. Reams of Chatter a little too hefty for you? Not built like The Fighter? No sweat. Literally. You can still support communications at IBC by helping to update bathroom signage every month which is deeply rewarding and very, very spiritual. So go on. Be the Dark Knight of buzz.

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

HOW DO I GIvE?
My time, talents & skills
Respite Care Volunteers By giving a few hours of your time to do crafts, play games, and spend time with special needs children, you give their parents a few hours for themselves. Every fourth Saturday evening. SonShine Volunteers A SonShine Pal helps a child with higher-functioning special needs to participate in ministry with their peers. Commitment: weekly or bi-weekly, all services available. Our SonShine rooms are available during the 10:45 a.m. service for children who need more individual attention. Commitment: anywhere from once a month to weekly. For any of the above opportunities, contact Shannon at specialneeds@irvingbible.org. Middle School/High School Summer Mission Trips Middle School students will be working on projects in New Orleans, LA and Dallas. The High School students will be going to Honduras and the Navajo Indian Reservation in Apache, Arizona. Contact Mary Ann at mconnor@irvingbible.org to find out how you can support them through prayer or financially. Meals for New Friends, New Life IBC has the privilege of providing a meal once a month to the women and children of NFNL. Contact Christine at newfriendsnewlife@irvingbible.org. Laundry Love Volunteers Volunteers needed to provide free laundry cycles and detergent, strike up conversations and build relationships at Amigo Laundromat in Irving. For more info, contact info@llpirving.org. Mentor Kids in Single-Parent Families Men mentor a boy, and women mentor a girl from a single-parent family. All it takes is a little time and a big heart. Contact Marsha at mtribbett@irvingible.org. Kids Night Out Volunteer Kids Night Out, a ministry for single parent families, is designed to give parents a much needed evening to themselves. Contact Jennifer at jerlenbusch@irvingbible.org.

Second Worship Service: 10:45 a.m.

Childrens Classes (all ages) Crossroads (mid 20s-30s couples), High School Room On Track (single parents), West C Journey (all welcome), Middle School Room Renew (multi-generational), Training Center Thrive (30s & 40s singles), West D

Third Worship Service: 5 p.m.

Childrens Classes (all ages)

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 http://llpirving.org or contact info@llpirving.org. Cars for Missionary Families Do you have an extra car to loan a missionary family on furlough? Contact Missions at aheil@irvingbible.org. Online Giving Option If you would find it more convenient to donate to the ministries of Irving Bible Church online, visit give.irvingbible.org.

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

Each Sunday in the Town Square at 6 p.m. Cost is $3/meal or $10 max./family. 6/3 6/10 6/17 6/24 Spaghetti with meatballs, salad bar. Fajita Madness, salad bar. Burgers and brats, salad bar. Baked potatoes, salad bar.

If youd like to serve on a Sunday night meal team, contact Pat at sundaynightmeal@irvingbible.org.

Interested in learning more about IBCs budget for 2012 or other financial nuts and bolts? Visit budgetinfo.irvingbible.org.

WEDNESDAY MIDWEEK MEALS

Each Wednesday night from 56:20 p.m. in The Commons. Cost is $3/meal or $10 max./family. 6/6 6/13 6/20 6/27 Loaded baked potatoes, salad, dessert. Burgers, tater tots, baked beans, salad, dessert. Lasagna, salad, bread sticks, dessert. Sloppy Joes, cole slaw, pickles, dessert.

new to iBc?
Information Center
information.irvingbible.org

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.

All June meals are hosted by Mike Gwartneys Team.

Have questions? Were here to help.

Changes to the menu may be made depending on cost and 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)

Hours Monday: 8 a.m.5 p.m. TuesdayThursday: 8 a.m.7 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m.12 p.m. Sunday: 8 a.m.12:30 p.m. & 47 p.m. Phone: (972) 443-3323 June drink special: Nutella Frappe

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

Ready to get plugged in?

propel.irvingbible.org

Propel

Connect with others on the journey.

smallgroups.irvingbible.org

Small Groups

Chatter | 18

Lane Myer Cusack, the world will end on either December 30 or 31, 2012, or January 1, 2013, depending on which side of the International Date Line youre straddling. JLMC, however, will escape the apocalypse in a 747 equipped with a flux capacitor, hope and change. But only three hours of jet fuel. Still, the Mayans will have more or less been proven right in their prediction, even if said prediction is only the result of running out of Far Side comics for their Page-a-Days and not some great foreknowledge of things henceforth to come. Still, if Hollywood and Lloyd Dobler have taught us anything, its that vampires and werewolves rarely need to work out or attend acting lessons. Also, theyre super-hunky. Double also, the end of the world is always close at hand be it in the form of Dr. No, Dr. Evil or an Aerosmith-loving asteroid that flunked evil medical school. Unfortunately, the Left Coasters have a poor record of telling us the signs of our impending doom, preferring to lay the responsibility at ignored scientists like Pierce Brosnan. For shame. Fortunately (or not, depending on the timing), the Bible is literally spilling over with tips and tricks for deciphering the encroaching end of days. Sure, no one knows the exact time of Christs coming, but that doesnt mean we should be caught totally unawares (from the Greek for in our undertogas). In fact, the books of Isaiah, Daniel, Ezekiel and Revelation are so full of eschatological goodness, Kirk Cameron will have to live to be 139 to make movies about it all. Nonetheless, for the purposes of comedy, lets wander away from the wars and rumors of wars and into the realm of lesser-known prophetic omenology. And, lo, a tide of bestingered beasties clothed in indignation and impervious to DEET shall rise forth and ruin sunset dog walks and backyard barbecues. This is the forty-fifth woe. Growing up, mosquitoes were a nuisance. Like homework and bathing. But a few bites never stopped anyone from an evening lightning bug hunt or 3 1/2 minutes of tossing the glow-softlyin-the-dark Frisbee. Now I cant take my young uns out past 6:30 for fear theyll be carried off to wherever mosquitoes carry things off to. Albuquerque? And if you dont think the size or voluminous appetites of modern skeeters is a sign from on high, feel free to Google the creature God recently let loose in the Philippines to eat these massive insect Edward Cullens: the giant fox bat. But before the Beast could put his mark upon mankind, a bespectacled Buddhist shall soften their resolve with shiny things bearing ill-tempered fowl. Much has been conjectured, opined and made up concerning the mark of the beast. And many of us wonder how the worlds population could be convinced to have a barcode or RFID chip permanently installed on their person. Well, maybe if said tech promises to run on 5G networks and pipe Pandora straight into ones cerebral cortex while giving a head-up display of Angry Birds on the old optic nerve, much coaxing may not be needed. Especially if the beast promises better coverage than AT&Verisprint. Besides, what made Man fall the first time? Hint: An apple. Granted, Im a pre-tribber, so, you know, whatevs. Beware those proffering a reality that is unreal, dressed in the guise of orange skin and copious booty, especially the one whose frosted locks flutter like a crest upon the sea. Yes, grandma, Ryan Seacrest is a portent of the Great White Throne Judgment. Think about it. The man has spent the
Chatter hasnt read Twilight, but understands that it is very popular. Chatter has learned that December 21, 2012 isnt actually the apocalypse, just the marking of the completion of a cycle of 13 baktuns and the begining of a new cycle. Got that? Thought so.

Fear the Mayansquitos

According to famed ethnographer and one-legged ski champion John

past decade telling us to worship idols so obviously false (no way Taylor Hicks beats Daughtry in an unfallen world) that we hardly blink when his production company throws the Kardashians into our Google searches even though we were just looking for information on psoriasis. Also, pretty sure he ate Dunkleman. Behold, though the Lord comes quickly, others shall scoot forth and clog the arteries of commerce until there is weeping and gnashing of teeth and a shortage of Little Debbies. Whether it was Job or Isaiah or Brimley who foresaw the advent of the Hoveround makes no matter. Nor does its use by people who would otherwise be immobile. This bit of postscripture speaks of those who find self-ambulation simply too burdensome to bother with. Those who take the mobile carts at the mall because the walk between Dillards and Macys cracks the 300 yard marker. Those who, if they fell, could definitely get back up, but would instead choose to lie prostrate, wallowing in their shameless shame. Like you, Mrs. Edith Crabbleton. In the Eastern Time Zone, a golden idol shall be bestowed upon a descendant of Cane, ne Cain, and The Oprah shall declare it good. Yes, when Susan Lucci finally wins a Daytime Emmywhat? This happened? In 1999?! Hmm. Looks like weve been living on borrowed time, my friends. As the Mayans were wont to say, duck and cover. Jason Fox really thought the 2001 Pontiac Aztek heralded the Lords return.
Jason is a freelance creative director, copywriter and columnist who offends the prevailing culture at jasonfox.net. His first book, leeclowsbeard, (based on his popular Twitter fee of the same name), is available now.

Susan Lucci would like to remind everyone that you like her. You really like her.

The diet of the giant fox bat consists primarily of figs. And other Foxes, like Jason.

Chatter | 19

Nancy Fennell and Chatter, across the bay from the famous Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia.

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.