chatter, october 2011

8/4/2019 Chatter, October 2011

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OCTOBER 2011



My husband and I recently met with a nutritionist. Her services were oered

at my husband’s workplace, and since we are ones to take ull advantage o anything

and everything — even ree humiliation — sat down to discuss the ailings o our

caloric intake with Amber, a fery metabolism in heels. A week later she emailed u smeal plans or two weeks complete with calorie counts, portion sizes, restaurant

substitutions and a newly imparted Health and Nutrition Holy Spirit to ollow us

into the pantry and convict us o chocolate.

I was amazed to discover that carbs should be eaten no more than one cup at a time,

and that my protein serving should be the size o my palm. Vegetables, on the other

hand, are to be eaten rom a disinected wheelbarrow i you have an amenable colon,

preerably raw or with a little bit o light butter spray — or the weaker brother, o

course. I set out or Tom Thumb to shop or things like 2% string cheese, Kashi

otsam, axseed, avocados, steel flings, shards o bark, and gold stars to stick to my

shirt. It’s hard to remember what else I bought because I’m really hungry right now

and am having trouble with recall. (That apple I dipped in good intentions won’t

hold me until dinner.)

And yet I have hope. To quote Scarlett, “I’m going to live through this and when it’s

all over, I’ll never be hungry again. No, nor any o my olk.”

I just have to adjust, that’s all. Me and my olk, we’ll adapt. I t’s not something I’m

comortable with now because what can I say, I enjoy a cheerul assortment o

cheeses, or an Oreo tri-ecta (or hexa-ecta) during Seineld reruns. But since

man does not live on bread alone, it is now time to adjust my portion size or a

healthy liestyle.

Why is the struggle to stay within portion sizes so ferce? Why do the words insa-

tiable and incessant always seem to describe me, not just when it comes to ood but

also with everything else?

The writer’s words in Lamentations sometimes sound oreign: “Because of the

Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new

every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion,’

therefore I will wait for him.” (3:-4, emphasis added)

Not only is the Lord my portion, but I must wait or him to meet my needs in his

timing — the opposite o a ast-ood liestyle. It takes such trust to wait, to lean into

God’s aithulness and trust the timing o provision — not on my terms, but his. The

Psalmist also picks up on this theme: “You are my portion O Lord; I have promised to

obey your words.” (119:57)

Once I depend on God to sustain me, I am ree to obey. He gives me a portion to liveon, and with the energy it provides I work out his calling or me. I have what I need.

For his work. For now.

God himsel is my portion.

A very literal example o this is Daniel’s testing in Babylon. In Daniel chapter 1

King Nebuchadnezzar orders that the select Hebrew exiles be served the choic-

est o are — rich ood and wine rom the king’s table. Knowing this would violate

Jewish law, Daniel and his riends ask or a trial period during which they would

only eat vegetables and drink water. (Amber would have been proud.) God blessed

their aithulness and enabled them to be stronger, healthier and better looking than

everyone else.

These Jewish exiles trusted God even with their ood. God, literally, had become

their portion — their just-right serving size, their not-too-much-not-to-little — and

proved there was nothing else they needed in the world.

Is it possible to remember this when you’re debating whether to eat the letover

Halloween candy this year? Or as you ace another holiday season alone, or encoun-

ter that relentless, years-long temptation? Or as you watch another riend have a

baby, or get married, or get promoted, or lose ten pounds? All those other bowls,

platters and teacups don’t matter. Lord, keep my eyes on my plate and all you have

heaped to overowing there or me.

You, O Lord, are my portion.

a letter fromChatter

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).

Thanks for picking up Catter . Catter is a publication of Irving Bible Church in Irving, Texas.

Editor Julie Rhodes

Art Direction, Design & Goodness

Josh Wiese, Dennis Cheatham, Lindsey Sobolik

PhotographyAmanda Guevara (Meet Sasha Morgan)

David Farris (Baptism at IBC, IBCers and Their Stuff)Dennis Cheatham (Baptism at IBC)

Thoughts, comments, ideas?E-mail Chatter at [email protected].

Irving Bible Church: a community on a journey.

Contact IBCIrving 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 e-mail update for key ministryevent information and announcements, along with a short devotional byPastor Andy to encourage you on your journey week-to-week. Subscribetoday at connect.irvingbible.org.

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 doesn’t end there. God’s desirefor each of us is for our hearts and lives to become more like the one who hassaved us. (Ephesians 4:11-13)

Connecting in Community

The gospel story draws us into a community of people whose lives have beentransformed by Jesus. This journey is not one that we undertake alone. We aredesigned to do life together as a community of Christ-followers. It is essentialthat 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 andmake it whole. Those of us who are on the journey together are called to bepeople 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 toa needy world. (Matthew 28:18-20)



Update: Baptism at IBC

On Sunday, September 18, 7 children, 11 students, and 11adults were baptized at the fountain in IBC’s Town Square. AtIBC, we believe baptism is an outward symbol of an inwardchange. It signies our identication with Christ and his sav-ing work done on our behalf on the cross. As we are immersedand raised out of the water, we mirror Christ’s death, burial andresurrection. Every IBC baptism is followed by a chorus of hip-hip-hoorays and an a cappella rendition of Amazing Grace sungby attendees in the bleachers and balcony.



My wife, Rebecca, and I just celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary.

Wow! I cannot believe it has been two decades. As you might imagine, I have

been reecting on the events that have marked our relationship. I can vividly

remember certain days, and others only vaguely. Obviously, one day I’ve been

thinking about a lot recently is our wedding day.

I almost hate to admit it, but that day and many o its details all seem like a blur.

I remember how beautiul Rebecca was in her dress. I remember the grooms-

men. I remember my shiny, yet very pa inul, shoes. I remember our vows and

the heartelt honesty and commitment they represented. But the important

things that people said and the amazing songs that had been careully chosen

and perormed — some o th ose aithul words are uzzy in my memory. Almost

nothing anyone said that day has stuck in my mind and helped steer our mar-

riage or relationship.

However, there is one message that has tenaciously impressed me over these20 years. It is embodied in the presence o 3 o our 4 sets o grandparents and

their remarkable aithulness to each other in their marriages or more than a

combined 150 years. Their aithulness — their fdelity — is inspiring and not o

this world.

I am becoming aware o how that kind o aithulness in marriage demands

more than what I have in my own strength. Do not get me wrong: aithulness

takes everything I have. But that is just not enough. Apart rom Christ, my e-

orts at being aithul will be noble but will sadly ail. True fdelity in a marriage

is always based on the aithulness o Christ.

There are three simple truths about infdelity with which I would like to chal-

lenge any married person. Truth #1: No one is sae rom the risks a nd dangers

o infdelity. Truth #2: The only possible way to truly recover rom infdelity is

through conession and orgiveness. And, Truth #3: Infdelity does not neces-

sarily have to result in divorce.

Let us think about Truth #1:

No one is sae rom te risks and dangers o infdelity.

This means that nobody is immune. Nobody is above the temptation. Nobodyis smart enough or skilled e nough to escape the risks o infdelity. 1 Corinthians

10:12 is the perect basis or this truth.

Infdelity will be the typical experience when building a marriage on human

eort. Unaithulness will be the course o a relationship apart rom C hrist’s

inusion o aithulness. Trying hard is not the solution to avoiding an aair.

Only total surrender to Christ will do the job.

At frst glance, I know Truth #1 can be discouraging and unsettling. But look

deeper. Knowing that you cannot stand, knowing that you cannot be aithul in

your own strength, will lead you to become desperate and dependent on Christ.And desperation and dependency on Christ is the best soil or his aithulness

to take root and grow strong. This is what surrendering to Christ means, and it

will protect and nurture your marriage.

For some great practical guidance on how to take seriously your potential to

destroy your marriage, I highly recommend a book by Dave Carder entitled,

Close Calls: What Adulterers Want You to Know about Protecting Your Marriage.

Carder insightully describes specifc risk actors and risky behaviors, and sug-

gests several usable action plans or preventing a potential aair. This is a g reat

resource or any married or dating couple.

Now look at Truth #2:

Te only possible way to recover rom infdelity is troug conession

and orgiveness.

Actually, look at the opposite o this truth, the lie, and see i this sounds amil-

iar: “I I never tell anyone what happened, that is the only way we can recover.”When any o us sin, our response to that sin seems to be consistent. Our frst

strategy is to cover it up. We pretend it did not happen. Once this doesn’t work

and reality orces us to admit that it did happen, we use our second strategy,

which usually entails

dismissing, deending,

or blaming our sin on

others. We try to deend

ourselves by not taking

responsibility or our sin

and excuse it by convinc-

ing ourselves that some-

one else is responsible or

what happened.

I wonder i this scenario

sounds distantly amiliar. Do you remember the story o Adam and Eve?

Ater their sin, they hid (frst), and then (second) they blamed others. It is

kind o like a two-step dance move or dealing with sin in general and marital

unaithulness specifcally. It is an easy dance move, really. Hide then blame.

Hide then blame. Turn. Slide. And then, hide and blame one more time. The

only problem is that it does not help, save, rescue or bring lie. It only leads tomore destruction.

Do not miss this: the only way out is by conession (or the oender) and or-

giveness (or the oended). You will be enticed to fnd a dierent way out. And

you can actually be quite creative, but there is no other way. There is no other

path that leads to lie than to coness and orgive. Look at 1 John 1:8-9. To con-

ess means to agree with God’s assessment o you and the situation. No spin. No

excuses. No cover up. For the oender there is no other way to ever experience

peace and reedom; you must own it and admit it to yoursel, God, and others.

I you are the oended, there is no other way to make progress toward peaceand reedom than to orgive. To orgive means not to expect repayment or

rs b

Wha eve marred peron need o knowifiliy3

I am becoming aware o

ow tat kind o aitul-

ness in marriage demands

more tan wat I ave in

my own strengt.



the damages owed. Forgiving does not mean pretending it did not happen.

Forgiving does not mean that it did not hurt. Forgiving does not mean that

you still trust. (Trust takes time to rebuild.) Forgiveness is something you

decide to do. Forgiveness is much more about you and the Lord Jesus than it

is about you and the oender. You will also be enticed to try to fnd a dierent

way out. And you can a lso be quite creative. But there is no other way. Again,

there is no other path that leads to lie than to coness and orgive. Look at the

parable that Jesus shares in Matthew 18:21-35 or a good incentive to orgive.

An anonymous quote says, “Unorgiveness is like drinking the poison yoursel

and expecting the other person to die.”

Okay, only one more truth, Truth #3:

Infdelity does not necessarily ave to result in divorce.

Many o us in Christian circles oten think the best way to prevent sin is to

threaten ultimate punishment. Our hope, I guess, is that ear will producerighteousness. Maybe we think the threat o judgment will produce a clean

heart and a changed lie. But Scripture suggests something dierent. One

o my avorite passages is Romans 2:2-4 where Paul reminds us that it is

God’s kindness that leads us to repentance. It is this kindness rom God that

inspires and enables me to live a righteous and transormed lie. I was never

really motivated to live rightly out o ear. But kindness and grace rom God —

now that’s motivational in ways I never could have imagined.

One o the ways we have tried to prevent the sin o infdelity is to twist Jesus’

words in Matthew 19:3-9 to mean that i marital unaithulness happens, the

oended person is now obligated to ollow through with the nuclear option o divorce. This is not Jesus’ heart. Jesus is simply saying he understands that i

someone cannot bear up under the strain o a persistent, reckless, dangerous

and unrepentant spouse, then they may be permitted to divorce. Divorce is

not required, nor is divorce to be used as a threat that must be carried out in

all cases o infdelity. Rather, it is an allowance or the most extreme cases.

Some o the most beautiul expressions o the Gospel have been when mar-

ried couples have incurred the most devastating blow o infdelity. Sometimes

a marriage looks as though there is no trust, no peace, no uture, no hope, no

pulse…and then God breathes in new lie. It is amazing how many couples Ihave seen over the years that have recovered rom infdelity and started a new

marriage. It surprises even them that God can create new lie even ater the

death-move o infdelity.

But that is just like our God, isn’t it? Raising dead things and breathing lie

into decayed places so that we might live and he might be glorifed!

Ph.D. Chip Dickens is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of

Biblical Counseling at Dallas Theological Seminary. His childhood dog and best

friend was named Farbarker, a beagle who loved eating Whoppers.

(i)Filiy

IBC TCIg SIS , OCTOB 2–23

w kow wht fty ms. But do we

know what de mean? What doe de to God’ pan

o human exua mean? What do the vow o maage

mean n toda’ wod? In toda’ cuc? What dd God

ogna ntend when he eated the am n the t

pae? And,what doe de to God’ ang to ome to e

a nge e ook ke? Jon u Sunda n Ooe o a new

IBC Teacng See on what mean o a Chan to e

“n de,” ahu to God.

(n)Fdeli Teacng Sere Scedule

br 2Sexua

Song o Song 4:10–16

br 9

Maage

Ephean 5:1–

br

FameDeuteonom 6:4–

br 23

Sngene

1 Conthan 7:–5

Join us Sundays in the Worship Center at 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m., and 5 p.m.

For podcasts or live webcasts of the IBC Teachin Series, please

visit media.irvinbible.or

I etmaed ha a many a 60%

of all marred

ndiduals n heUned Sae wll beunfathful o her soue a ome pon n her lie.


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/chatter-october-2011 6/20 A GLANCE AT GLOBAL MISSIONS

IBC partners with several internationalorganizations and missionaries to bring thelight and lie o the Gospel to people aroundthe world. Here are some quick updates.

A NEW BICCLE OR KTCHI MISSIONAR Thank you IBC or the bicycle you provided or Mahendra. He works in Kutch,

India, traveling or ministry into villages. He used to walk several kilometers

and pay or public transportation to reach his fnal destination.

WATER IS BASIC LANCHES NEW WEB SITE

With a new look and unctionality, Water is Basic continues to expand its e-

orts or clean water in Arica. Its next goal? Raising $60K or a third drilling

rig. Visitwaterisbasic.org.

BIBLE SCHOOL IN THE DOMINICAN REPBLIC

Longtime IBC missionaries Bob and Judy Kay, along with several Dominican

church leaders, have started a Bible school designed to train the next generation

o Bible church pastors in the Dominican Republic.

ALARM RESPONDS TO DROGHT CRISIS

More than 12 million people in Arica are being aected by the worst drought

in 60 years. ALARM (Arican Leadership and Reconciliation Ministries) is

partnering with local Kenyan churches and Christian ministries to provide

immediate relie and supplies to the region.Mahendra

Bob Kay

Judy Kay

Drought Relief

New Web Site

P h o t o : O x f a m E

a s t A f r i c a



Graham is a typical 13-year-old— he loves sports, hanging out with

his riends and having un. And there’s one other thing that Graham loves

to do: spend time with his riend Collin. What’s not so typical about Graham is

how he came to meet Collin.

When Graham was old enough to start serving at church, he knew exactly where

and whom he wanted to serve: kids with special needs. According to Graham’s

mom Tracy, Graham has always been sensitive to the needs o others. “He’s al-

ways the frst one to beriend someone who looks like they need a riend, wheth-

er at school or on the playground, so it was no surprise when Graham made the

decision to serve special needs kids.”

It was in that special needs classroom where Graham frst met Collin. Collin is

also a teenage boy who enjoys having un. The only dierence between Graham

and Collin is that Collin has Downs Syndrome.

When Graham frst walked into the special needs classroom, the boys ormed

an instant riendship.

Collin’s mom Carol says that once Collin met Graham, going to church was not

as stressul as it used to be. “Every Sunday, Graham would be there waiting or

Collin. And when I asked Collin i he was ready to go to church, his immediate

reply was: ‘Graham, will Graham be there?’ It was such a blessing or Collin to

have someone his own age to be with instead o an adult, and Graham took such

great care o him, I didn’t have to sit and worry i he was OK while I was inthe service.”

And when it came time to transition out o the special needs room and into

the middle school service, Graham was ready and willing to help. Since Col-

lin is very sensitive to loud noises, his mom would sit with him just outside

the middle school room instead o participating in Sunday worship. But Carol

wanted Collin to be with kids his own age, so she called student ministry pastor

Trey Grant. Graham was more than willing to help Collin adjust to the middle

school service. Trey agreed, so Collin and Graham started attending the service

together. An amazing thing happened: as long as Collin was with Graham,

nothing bothered him — not the noise, not all the people. Collin thrived, and the

bond between the boys grew stronger.

Collin was blossoming under the care and riendship o Graham. The two were

becoming ast riends. And whe n Graham’s birthday rolled around, he naturally

wanted to invite Collin to his party. Collin’s mom Carol was excited. Other than

amily, this was the frst time Collin had been invited to a birthday party. All o

Graham’s riends embraced Collin and everyone had a great time playing kick

ball, volleyball, and pool.

The frst time Collin’s mom met Tracy she told her, “You can’t imagine the di-

erence that Graham’s riendship has made not only in Collin’s lie, but in all o our lives. Collin is accepted, and Graham’s riendship made that possible.”

Tracy explained that Graham has a heart or special needs and she is thankul

that he is able to share the git that God has given him. Graham’s dad added that

Graham is at his best when he is working with special-needs people.

Graham thinks it’s no big deal. He enjoys spending time with his uncle who also

has Downs Syndrome, and thought it would be “neat” to spend time with other

people like his uncle. To Graham, Collin isn’t special-needs, just special.

Several weeks ago, Pastor Andy told the story o Timothy and how God called

this young man into service. Graham’s story reminds us o this too — how Godcan call any one o us, at any age, to do great things.

Peggy Norton is addicted to Twizzlers.

In His Image

Bible StudyIn His Image is a Bible study and social group designed

to help people o diferent ability levels grow in Christ and

develop riendships.

All of you together are Christ’s body, and eachof you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27

BOS

WILL BEBOS

Who: Adults (18+) with special needs

When: Each Wednesday, 6:30-7:45 p.m.Where: Irving Bible Church

If you know someone who would benet

from this ministry or are interested in vol-

unteering, please contact Shannon Miller at

[email protected] or (469) 585-4578.

Volunteer opportunities available.

To Graham, Collin isn’t special-needs, just special.

An unlikely friendship

blossoms between two IBC kids



Chatter | 8

The average age of aStarbucks employee is 26.

The rst powder puff

football game was in 1972, inWallingford, Connecticut.

Chatter sat down with IBC’s newest staer to talk ministry,

teenagers, and why she has Powder Pu Football to thank orbeing where she is today.

Chatter: Sasha, tell us a bout your background and amily.

Sasha Morgan: I grew up in Alexandria, VA — which was one o the greatest

places to grow up because everything we were studying in History Class we

could see and learn more about at the museums in D.C. I loved the cherry blos-

soms, the fre works on the 4th o July in ront o the Jeerson Memorial, and

the Yule Tide Fire at Christmas! Good times!

Also, I have an incredible amily. They are truly my best riends. When I wasgrowing up, my dad was a youth pastor, and when I was 5 he was demoted (his

words) to Senior Pastor — his heart is so young and he will orever be pas-

sionate about young people. My mom has always worked right beside him in

ministry. She has led worship, produced the S unday morning program, taught

women’s Bible studies, led women’s ministry and served our amily better than

any mom I know (I’m a little b ias)! My mom and dad invested in my brother,

sister and me in such a way that we developed a deep love or people. We are

all serving in the ministry. My brother and his wie are youth pastors in Green-

wich, CN and my sister and her husband pastor a church in Portland, OR. I have

two nieces and three nephews. They are incredible kids who have helped me

discover a dierent type o love.

Chat: Got any hobbies?

SM: I love to paint. I am not good at it, b ut painting pottery relaxes me instantly.I also enjoy being active. I love to hike, bike, run and be outdoors. But, I also like

a good dinner at a nice restaurant where I can wear a pretty dress…haha!

Chat: The word “passion” is so overused, but i there’s anything Chatter does

well it’s capitalizing on a cliche. What makes your heart beat ast?

SM: I am passionate about knowing Jesus and God’s Word. I want to discover

truth in a way that causes me to live more alive and be a aithul servant. Also, I

am passionate about communicating truth in a way where others can grasp the

love and grace o God. I desire or young people to discover their calling, their

purpose and their value.

Chat: Worst job ever?

SM: I’ve never had a job I hated, but I did work at Starbucks or 3 years. It would

be nice to never have to work there again!

Chat: Do you have a “testimony” in the traditional sense, or a aith moment that

was pivotal in your lie?

SM: Growing up in a pastor’s home, you spend most o your time at the church.

So, I knew every hiding place in that building. Plus, I knew every Bible story and

memory verse, but I didn’t know Jesus. The summer beore I started 7th grade

my parents took me to a camp in Oregon called Camp Davidson. One night

Meet Sasha Morgan

IBC’s new High School Pastor



Chatter | 9

The mascot for UC Santa Cruzis the Flying Banana Slug.

during chapel, a young man went orward to perorm a song. As he was singing,

students on the opposite side o the room rom me began to weep. Slowly the

weeping spread to the point where every student in the room was crying, except

me. I was sitting there rustrated because I wanted to hear this guy’s song (he

was kind o cute), so I started shooshing those around me. All o a sudden, I elt

my mom’s hand touch my shoulder and instantly I started weeping. In that split

second I elt God’s love pour over me like a giant wave. I was overwhelmed by

his love and grace. All the stories and memory verses that I had been learningor years fnally made sense. My lie was changed radically that night. I went

home and began to pray or all o my riends who I would meet during my 7th

grade year. I prayed God would use me to be a light to those who didn’t know

him. The night beore school started, my amily and I walked around my school

and prayed or all o my teache rs and all the students. We prayed that God

would use us as a amily. God invaded my heart that summer and he has contin-

ued to take me on this amazing journey o seeing lie beyond mysel.

Chat: Was there a specifc moment you elt called to vocational ministry?

SM: My senior year o high school I tore my ACL playing Powder Pu Foot-

ball (I know, lame). Tearing my ACL and having surgery gave me a lot more

time to be involved in non-athletic activities. So, I attended a Women o Faith

conerence with my mom and the ladies o our church. During the conerence,

a woman named Patsy Clairmont was speaking. As she spoke, I elt God speak

to me. He told me that one day I would be doing what she was doing. It shocked

me to hear that! I immediately whispered to my mom what God had just spoke

to me and she armed it! Ater that conerence, my brother, who was my youth

pastor at the time, began teaching me how to communicate to others. He would

have me speak once in a while. I went to college the next year to study Bible and

Christian Education. Every summer I would intern with a middle school youth

group and I ell in love with students. I received lie and energy when I wasaround them. My heart was captured!

Chat: Tell us about your educational/proessional background.

SM: I went to college at Bryan College in Dayton, TN where I studied Bible and

Christian Education. I received my masters in Leadership in May 2011 rom

Western Seminary in Portland, OR. Proessionally, I emceed or Planet Wisdom

and absolutely loved it! I am a lso emceeing at the Youth Specialties Conerence

and teaching a seminar on Girls Ministry. I’m so excited, but extremely nervous.

Chat: Your frst experience at IBC was, in act, emceeing a Planet Wisdom

Conerence. What was your frst impression?SM: When I frst walked into the doors, I was struck by the décor. It showed

that this church is not stuck in the normal. There were no banners or pink

carpet, but there were doors hanging rom the ceiling! I didn’t understand why

there were doors hanging rom the ceiling, but I loved it! I loved how the church

is always open or people to come in and hang out. I saw mothers with their

kids. I saw people studying or school. I saw community.

Chat: Let’s talk about high schoolers or a minute. What’s the biggest roadblock

or students having a living/active/authentic aith?

SM: Community. They are going to go and fnd truth wherever they fnd com-

munity. I there isn’t community at church, then they will search elsewhere.Also, I think wounds and bitterness can stop them rom wanting anything to do

with God.

Chat: What did you struggle with as a teenager?

SM: Finding riends who were passionate about Jesus. I had riends who were

un, but none who understood my aith.

Chat: What encourages you most about this generation o high school students?

SM: They are searching or authenticity and truth. They are passionate about

lie and deep relationships. They live lie in community — which is exactly what

Jesus told us to do.

Chat: How can the body o IBC pray or you and the high school ministry this

all?

SM: Pray that we unite as a team and dream together. Pray that our hearts will

discover where God wants to take these students.

Chat: Somebody made a little teaser video introducing you to IBC. In it you said

you really love rodeos. What’s your avorite event?

SM: Bull riding and barrel racing.

Chat: Nice. Welcome to Texas, by the way. While we’re talking high school,

what was your high school mascot?

SM: It was an Eagle!

Chat: Proudest childhood trophy?

SM: I got Most Cheerul once.

Chat: Any odd phobias? Chatter loves a good odd phobia.

SM: Sharks! I have a reoccurring dream that I’m a mermaid and a shark bites

me in my side.

Chat: That’s not so odd. You are suspiciously normal, Sasha Morgan. Chatter

will be watching you careully. Very careully indeed.

Must read: Redeeming Love by FrancineRivers (even the boys will love it)

Must listen: Adele, Mumford and Sonsand Needtobreathe

Must eat: Cheesecake Factory guacamole

Caffeine a must? green tea

Must-visit store at the mall:

Anthropologie

Must drive: Range Rover

Must-see classic movie:Sleepless in Seattle

Must never forget this in your gym bag: Deodorant!

Must-visit city:Long Beach, CA — 2nd Street

Must-use tech device: Kindle

SS’S MU STS



IBCers and Their Stuff.We all have stu. Stu describes us, even defnes us. (Or

does it?) Whatever our stu may mean, we all have at least

a little o it. And some o it is really interesting. Meet JD

Lemming, IBCer since 2008, and the IBC Young Adult

intern. JD fnished his Master’s o Theology degree at DTS

this Summer. He is married to Katie and the proud “ather”

o a Scottish Terrier named Bailey. Here is his stu.

1. JD LEMMING: West Virginian-Irish-Intern.

2. BIBLE: Hands down my avorite Bible out there! This

study Bible is a perect blend o style and scholarship.

Oh, and buy the compact edition (it weighs a ton).

3. JOURNAL: Where I plant my thoughts and ideas. It is

ull o doodles, Hebrew paradigms, musings and rants.

4. SCARF AND WAND: I am a huge Harry Potter

an — primarily because The Lord of the Rings is too

conusing. No, not really. It’s because HP is a great

story o redemption, sacrifce, and love. Thereore,

I shamelessly own a Gryndor scar and my very

own wand.

5. MICKEY MUG: I’m a coee cup collector (CCC). This

mug is one o my avorites because: ) I’m a Disney an;

) I bought this on my honeymoon.

6. GUITAR: My frst and avorite electric guitar. It got me

through a bad break-up in High School. I turned it up to

; it’s one louder (than ).

7. DON’T WASTE YOUR LIFE BY JON PIPER: This

has been the most transormative book I’ve ever read

or my aith. I gave away my frst copy, but this newest

edition is a must-read.

8. GREEK ICON: Purchased on my trip to Greece, this

icon hangs above my desk and reminds me daily o my

purpose and direction. Plus, I love Byzantine art.

9. KNIFES: This survival knie (insert Crocodile Dundee

line here) was the frst knie I ever owned. I won it in

the second grade in a cake walk. I have never been so

happy — my mom, not so much. The pocket knie was

given to me by my grandmother. It belonged to my

grandather, who I n ever knew — but can’t wait to meet.

10. TOM ANKS: Tom Hanks (post-Oscar) is my avorite

actor. ( Forest Gump gets me every time.) However, I still

haven’t orgiven him or Bosom Buddies (-).

11. LETTERS: I keep all l etters rom my amily.

These letters are hand- written rom both o my

grandmothers. They are priceless to me because these

little notes have encouraged and comorted me. They

are tangible reminders o their love or me, and their

commitment to Christ.

12. CAMERA: My camera is one o my avorite items that

I own. I’ve been privileged to travel the world, and my

camera has captured everywhere I’ve been. My camera

immortalizes the great moments o my lie.

Are you an IBCer? Do you have stuf ? We want to see it

and show-and-tell it. Contact [email protected].

1

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8

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11 12



CTS International Curriculum

» Keys to Unlocking the Bible

» Unlocking the Old Testament

» Unlocking the New Testament

» The Name Above All Names (The Uniqueness of Christ)

» Unchanging Truth for Changing Times(Christian Doctrines)

» Healing the Wounded (Biblical Counseling)

» The Pursuit of Ethical Excellence (Christian Ethics)

» Descending into Greatness (Biblical Leadership)

» Touching Lives for Eternity (Biblical Evangelism)

» Clearing the Fog from the Pulpit to the Pew (ExpositoryPreaching)

» Electives (depending on local needs)

» Farming (such as pig, sh and vegetables —so missionaries will be self-supporting)

ACTS INTERNATIONAL

ACTS International seeks to equip indigenous pastoral leaders or eec tive ministry and

church planting among the unreached peoples o Asia.

ABOT ALIN

President o Acts International since 1991

WHAT IS OR BACKGROND?

I was born in a village (Lunas) in Malaysia. There was no church in my village. I never

had the chance to hear o the Gospel while growing up until I started working in the

capital city o Malaysia. One o the reasons that compelled me to ocus on the unreached

is my background o growing up in a village without a church.

HOW DID O COME TO AITH?

I heard the Gospel o Jesus Christ while I was working in Malaysia, but I did not believe

until I went to college in Singapore. I was having a un time, proud o mysel or my aca-

demic achievement, and sensed no need or God until one evening one o my classmates

scolded me, “Alvin, you think that you are very smart? You think that you are standing on

top o the world. But I want to tell you that YOU ARE A SINNER beore God.” Nobody

had spoken to me (or dared to speak to me) like that! But the Holy Spirit took hold o me,

and shook me up. Suddenly, I realized that I am a sinner beore God, and the Gospel o

Christ I heard beore became crystal clear to me. I broke down and wept like a little baby.

I conessed my sins, and b elieved Jesus as my Savior. That’s how I came to know Christ —

someone who cared enough to tell me the truth.

WHAT LED O TO OCATIONAL MINISTR?

Since the Lord asks us to pray or workers because the harvest is plentiul but the labor-

ers are ew (Matt. 9:37-38), and having witnessed the lack o workers in the vineyard, I

began to pray that he would send workers into the feld. It is a dangerous prayer! The Lord

began to give me a burden to serve him ull-time. I told the Lord that I was praying that he

would send someone else — not me. But he reminded me that I was praying or workers,

and I became the answer to my own prayers! The second actor: My classmate challenged

me with Luke 12:48, “From everyone who has been given much, much shall be demanded,

and rom the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” My

riend asked me, “The Lord has given you much; what is your response?”

HOW DO O TRAIN MISSIONARIES OR MINISTR TO NREACHED PEOPLE?

Indigenous missionaries are trained at our ACTS Institutes, and then sent out to un-

reached peoples and villages. The institutes may be residential (6 months) or non-resi-

dential — 1 to 3 years, depending on the local situation. The institutes train missionaries

using the ACTS curriculum (curriculum list at let).

For more about Alvin and ACTS International, visit actsinternational.net.

CONTACTDr. Alvin Low

ACTS International

P. O. Box 64227

Colorado Springs, Colorado 80962

Direct: (719) 287-5549

When ACTS International president Alvin

Lowe met IBC’s then-missions pastor KathyAppleton at a conerence in 2001, the road

was paved or ACTS International becoming

an IBC Global Missions partner in 2004. Ever

since, IBC has been supporting church planting

among unreached people groups in Asia.

Alvin Lowe (ACTS International)

ACTS International president, Alvin Lowe.



WHAT IS A AMIL GRACE GROP?

A 2-week Christ-centered group for families with a

mentally ill loved one

Family Grace Groups are designed to provide an

ongoing support structure to help amilies hold

each other up, giving participants p ractical skills or

regaining their lives, rebuilding their amilies, anddiscovering a greater understanding o and vision or

their loved one. All o this is done in a Christ-centered

environment with a clear ocus on the necessity o

God’s grace or lie transormation.

Mental Health Grace Alliance Family Grace Groups:

6:0 p.m. in West B & D. Contact Buzz Moody at

[email protected].

WHAT IS A LIING GRACE GROP?

A 2-week Christ-centered group for those living with

a mental illness

The Living Grace Group is designed to encourage and

equip those with a mental illness by oering a biblical

and clinical view o mental disorders. We teach God’s

grace or regaining a healthy balance o lie with hopeand direction.

Mental Health Grace Alliance Living Grace Group:

6:0 p.m. in West A. Contact Melissa Clark at

[email protected].

REIEW: Quitter by Jonathan Acuf

Author of Stu Christians Like , Acu explores the pitfalls and promise of pursuing

your dream job — a timely topic in a troubled economy. Brian Rhea reviews.

I’m willing to bet that this book has a airly large audience: Cubicle jockeys with a

just-out-o-reach dream job drastically dierent rom the d aily grind they currently

endure.

I’m also willing to bet that a large percentage o that audience is put o by Acu ’s

wise and unny advice that always tends toward patience and then — just to be

certain — a bit more patience. It’s the sort o advice people don’t like to hear, which

means — I have no scientifc evidence o this — it’s probably right.

Ater all, this book is called “Quitter.” It’s right there on the cover in big red letters.

You can easily imagine the idealistic-college-grad-turned-Late-30s-spreadsheet-

diva seeing the subtitle and whispering out loud, “Yeah…yeah, there is a gap between

my day job and my dream job.” They pick up the book as i it’s so precious it just may

crumble in their very hands; open it expecting to see an illuminated manuscript, a

massive gold and silver illustration o an abandoned oce chair on the frst page.

And what does he hit you with? How about a frst chapter titled, “Don’t Quit Your

Day Job.” You can see how that might be deating.

But Acu couldn’t be more right.

Quitter is a couple-hundred pages worth o breezy business book that dabbles in

cheese and may have a ew too many jokes, but, because it’s brimming with Acu ’s

frst-hand experience, practical advice and spot-on insights, you’re unlikely to stop

taking it seriously.

What are you reading these days? Novels?Novellas? Nonsense? Chatter sta has beenreading — or meaning to read — a plethora o titles and wanted to share a ew with you.

I couldn’t put it down. That’s actually an understatement.

When I frst read this book, I was in mid-air leaping over (would I make it over?) that

gap between the day job and d ream job. I was preparing to quit my job and begin run-

ning my own web design business ull-time. I have a wie and two small kids. These

pages had me absolutely gripped by the scru o the neck. Your mileage may vary.

But I do think you’re likely to get some mileage, and that’s a tremendous strength

o this book. Acu is not writing only to would-be entrepreneurs or reelancers

preparing or sel-employment. His advice (and the eight quasi-steps he oers in

chapter orm) is meant or anyone who says, “I’m a teacher, but I want to be a musi-

cian. I’m a CPA, but I want to be a counselor. I’m a ____, but I want to be a ____.”

Acu walks those o us who possess that dream through a logical sequence o con-

siderations that go deeper than the typical (and alse), “I you can dream it, you can

be it” are littering the sel-help section o your local Hal Price Books. He tells the

reader what they most likely need to hear, not what they want to hear and it’s some-

thing along the lines o, “You may be ready. But here is how you can be prepared .”

I personally ound the advice rereshingly realistic and grounded. This is no

surprise as Acu is employed by Dave Ramsey as something o a message-bearer.

A nugget that made me believe what he had to say all the more. In act, I think the

subtitle should have been, “Did I mention I work or Dave Ramsey?”

This advice o patience and steady plodding is crucial because it is unemotional. He

basically says: “Look, I know you’re ready to quit. Your closest riends may be telling

you to quit. I’ve been there. Be patient.”

Eventually, I (Brian) resigned. And one Monday morning I woke up and looked at

my boss in the mirror (me), then at my wie, still peaceully asleep in bed, probably

dreaming about the two little girls curled up across the hall. I I’d made this decision

on a whim or without a tremendous amount o preparation, I’m certain I would’ve

vomited all over my boss’ reection. But I didn’t, so I didn’t.

Which is not to say that I won’t.

I’m absolutely certain that I am on a collision course with a day in the uture where

this business causes untold amounts o stress and sleepless nights. But, it will be

because things are the way they are, and not because I made them so prematurely.

There is a big dierence and it’s one that Acu does a fne job o calling out, and

hopeully guarding against.

Vanilla Ice once handed Brian Rhea the mic at a show during his late 9s

rap-rock phase. Clueless on the words to the song, Brian could only shrug and return

a blank stare.”



Father/Daughter Campout • October 21–23

ikin, S’mores, Campres • Lake Murray, Oklahoma

Cost: $45 for dads and $25 for daughterseistration: men.irvinbible.or (for irls up to 17 years old)

ather/Daughter CampoutDads, do you remember when you changed your frst diaper? Nope, neither do we

(thankully), but we bet there’s one event that you will never orget: the birth o your

daughter. Creating lielong memories with your kids requires intentionality, time,

and a little bit o creativity. But ear not — IBCMen has crated a remarkable week-

end this all or you and your daughter to reconnect and have a blast.

On October 21-23, join other dads and their daughters or the ourth annual Father/

Daughter Campout at Lake Murray, Oklahoma. Enjoy three days o quality time

with your daughter, have meaningul conversations, and participate in a special

campfre tradition where dads express love and armation to their daughters on

Saturday evening. This will be a camping trip with Dad she’ll never orget.

WHEN AND WHERE IS THE TRIP?

Oct 21-23 at Lake Murray State Park in Tipps Point Campground near Ardmore,

OK. The majority will arrive Friday in early evening. We plan to leave Sunday beore

noon. You may arrive and leave when you would like.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

You need a tent, sleeping bags, and your personal clothing and toiletries.

Cooking equipment, drinks, and ood will be p rovided. Please contribute frewood

i you are able.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS? WHAT’S INCLDED?

The trip costs $45 per dad and $25 per daughter. Make checks payable to IBC i you

are registering at the kiosk, or you may register online at men.irvingbible.org. Food,

drinks, and a tent campsite are included. Horseback riding is $16 extra per p erson.

Canoeing/paddleboats and mini-gol is $4 extra per person and up i you want to do

these optional activities.

CAN I BRING THE WHOLE AMIL AND M DOG?

This is a ather/daughter campout and we believe this one-on-one time is impor-

tant. Please keep it to these two amily members and leave pets at home.

WHAT ACCOMMODATIONS DO THE CAMPSITES HAE?

The group pavilion where we will cook and eat has water, lights, and electric.

Most campsites do not have water and electric, but they do have good parking,

shade, and picnic tables. We have well lit public bathrooms with hot showers in

the camping area.

WHAT ABOT ACTIITIES?

There are lots o activities available. It’s all up to you. We are planning a morninghike, an aternoon paddle boat/mini-gol activity, and a Saturday night campfre i

you want to join. There is also horseback riding, fshing, boating, and a chapel avail-

able i you wish. Reservations are not needed or most things.

I you have more questions, please contact: Erik Monson: (817) 505-3355 or

[email protected] (E-mail is preerred).

ON ChTT’ NITSTND

Travels wit Carley in earc o merica by John Steinbeck

Grapes of Wrath author Steinbeck recounts tales o a 1960 road trip with his French

standard poodle, Charley, around the continental U.S.

Wat to Listen or in Music by Aaron Copland

A short read on how to enjoy classical music, written at an understandable level by

the greatest American composer o all time.

Mrs. Peregrine’s house or Peculiar Cildren by Ransom Riggs*Listed as young adult fction, this debut novel combines authentic vintage photog-

raphy with creeptastic storytelling or a compelling read that begs or a sequel.

Te Cicago Manual o tyle, 16t d.*A tear-jerker. It had us at “et. al.”

Te Universal Traveler by Koberg and Bagnall

Touted as “a sot-systems guide to creativity, ” this book has good content or any-

one who has to solve problems or to reach goals. Fair warning: it’s the ugliest book

you’ve ever seen.

Lit by Mary Karr*The vivid account rom amed memoirist Karr o her struggle with alcoholism as a

young mother. For anyone who loves brilliant, biting prose.

Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud

A book on visual communication taught through comics, written AS a comic book.

Loty at times, but encouraging to artists and creators. And heck, it’s a comic book.

Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris*A hilarious collection o essays capturing Sedaris’ struggle to learn French and

adapt to lie in general.

Drawing is Tinking by Milton Glaser

Famed American graphic designer Glaser writes about his un damental idea that

drawing is not simply a way to represent reality, but a way to understand and experi-

ence the world.

* For age-appropriate readers.

THIS MONTH



Chatter | 14

THIS MONTH

Bible CommunitiesCommunities on Sunday

There’s always something new going on in Bible communities!Here’s a taste of what’s happeningthis month:

The Tree9 a.m. – West D

Young marrieds/young famil ies. TheTree will be studying The ForgottenGod by Francis Chan, a study of theHoly Spirit and his role in our lives.

Journey10:45 a.m. – Middle School RoomAll welcome. October study:

discussing the Sunday sermon fromthe 9 a.m. service.

Thrive — 10:45 a.m. — West DSingles in their 30s, 40s & 50s.Join us as we continue our lessonseries “Boundaries” — a studyin understanding and establishinggodly boundaries for our relation-ships.

On Track10:45 a.m. – West CSingle parents. If you are a single

parent or in a blended family, thisclass is perfect for you. Come join us for Bible study, fellowshipand prayer.

Renew10:45 a.m. – Training CenterDiverse, all ages and stages. Thefirst two weeks of October: discus-sion of God’s love from the Book of John. During the second two weekswe will ask, “What is important toGod?”

The Point

6:45 p.m. – AlcoveSingles – early to late 20s. We willcontinue working in table groupswith various topics. Each grouphas about 10 people that discuss abook, a book of the Bible, or a pre-selected topic.

For more info or to find out moreabout our other Bible communities,visit biblecommunities.irvingbible.org or call Jen at (972) 560-4655.Please visit page 20 for moreSunday Bible Communities.

ChildrenInfants Through 5th Grade

Respite CareEvery fourth SaturdayFor families that have children withspecial needs. Contact Diana [email protected].

MyZone

Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. inZone/Zone Jr. A mid-week eventfor kids that’s great for bringingfriends. K-5th grade. Contact Bethat [email protected].

Zone 6:30Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in TheZone. A weekly Bible study for kids.K-5th grade. For more info, contactBeth at [email protected].

EspañolBilingual Ministry

Traducción del Servicio losDomingosTraducción simultánea en el Servi-cio de las 5 p.m. Escuchénlo en lared: irvingbible.org. Se necesitantraductores.

Sunday Service Translation

Simultaneous translation availableduring the 5 p.m. service. SpanishTranslations online.

Estudio Biblico de MujeresMartes 6:30 a 8:30 p.m.Acompañanos a estudiar y meditaren la palabra de Dios junto a otrasmujeres.

Women’s Bible StudyTuesdays 6:30–8:30 p.m.Join us as we study God’s word withother women.

Hope and HealingCommunity Care

DivorceCareThursday, Sept. 8, 6:30–8 p.m.A weekly support group designedto help you rebuild your life. Visitdivorcecare.irvingbible.org.

Recovery at IBCThursdays, 6–8:30 p.m. West Wing outh LoungeDo you deal with perfectionism,pride, overeating, inappropri-ate anger or control? Recovery isconfidential and all are welcome.Join us for a light meal at 6 p.m. for

just $4.

Shelter from the StormTuesday/Wednesday evenings

A 16-weekconfidential smallgroup study forwomen who haveexperienced thetrauma of sexualabuse. For moreinformation,contact Michelle

Robinson at [email protected].

Grace for the WoundedA confidential small group ministrythat explores the wounds we’vereceived and the healing journeyGod’s prepared for us. Male andfemale groups offered. Classes startin September. Contact Bernadetteat (678) 860-4575 or Paul at (214)226-8234 or [email protected].

IBCMenMinistry to Men

irst Watch

Where are you in your journey withChrist? Where would you like to be?Join the men of First Watch for Mo-mentum: Moving Closer to Christ.

Fridays: 6:22 a.m.Tuesdays: 6:30 p.m.

irst Watch XtraWednesdays in the Training Center,6:30 a.m.

ather Daughter CampoutOct. 21-23 at Lake Murray, OK.

See article pg. 13.Visit men.irvingbible.org for info.

Local PartnersReaching the Community

olunteers Needed for TapestryConferenceIBC’s annual adoption conference isSaturday, October 29, 9 a.m. – 3:30

p.m. Positions available in bothfull-day and half-day shifts. ContactAmy Monroe at [email protected] for more information.

Laundry Love — first Saturday of the month, 9 a.m.-NoonLocated at Amigo Laundromat,3349 Country Club Dr. in Irving(just down from Sam HoustonMiddle School). Please join us aswe provide free laundry cycles anddetergent, strike up conversationsand build relationships. For more

info visit llpirving.org or [email protected].

MarriageGrowing Together

Marriage at IBCSunday nights, 6:45 p.m. West C/DA small group-based marriageseries designed to help couples

reconnect in the context of commu-nity. Visit marriage.irvingbible.orgto register. KidZone is available.

Seasoned SaintsFor Folks Ages 55+

Dinner and a ShowTuesday, Oct. 115:30 p.m.: Dinner at El Fenix onHwy 183 just west of Irving Mall

7:30 p.m.: Entertainment Series of Irving at Carpenter Hall presentsBilly Dean, a Grammy-winningsongwriter and guitarist. Season or

individual concert tickets may bereserved through the Box Office:(972) 253-1383.

Potluck Lunch and ellowshipSunday, Oct. 16

Immediately following the secondmorning service in the CommonsAnnex adjoining the Haven.

Contact [email protected].

Single-Parent amilyCommunity and Resources

Save the Date: Girl Stuff Saturday, Nov. 5,9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in The AlcoveOperation Christmas Child ServiceProject: share Christmas withgirls around the world by fillingshoeboxes with small gifts, books,candy, a card, a picture of yourself,and inspiring words about our faith.

Sit with us on Sunday!Several single-parent families enjoyworshiping together in the 9 a.m.service. Come and join us in thelowest right-hand section, Rows 5 &6, facing the stage.

For more information e-mail Mar-sha at [email protected].

Small GroupsCommunity at IBC

Interested in joininga Small Group?Groups are currently in session andsign-ups will reopen in November.Contact Ryan Sanders with ques-tions at [email protected].

Student MinistriesMiddle/High School and College

Middle School Sundays

MERGE AMMeets in the Alcove,10:45 a.m.–12 p.m.

Life Groups meet inthe Commons, 6:45–8 p.m.

Middle School WednesdaysThe “W” — Meets in the StudentMinistry area, 6:30–8 p.m.

High School SundaysLife Groups — Meet in the StudentMinistry area, 6:45–8 p.m.

High School WednesdaysSWAG - (Students Worship andGathering) — Meets in the Alcove,7-8 p.m.

IBC serves a delicious mealeach Wednesday and Sundaynight for $3.

Contact [email protected].



WeMinistry To Women

Women’s Bible Study

Psalms: Authentic Worship forToday’s WomenTuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m. or6:30.-8:30 p.m. KidZone for babiesthrough preschool is available. Reg-ister at women.irvingbible.org.

Save the Date Women’s Christmas DinnerDecember 6, 6-9 p.m. Kick off theseason with beauty, fun and friends.Featuring a festive concert by Ad-dison Road. Tickets: $20/each or$160/table of 8.

oung Adults20s and Early 30s

The GatheringOctober 6, 13, 20, 277 p.m. in The Alcove

Topic: Sex — Restoring What GodIntended. Speaker: Barry Jones.

For more info e-mail: [email protected].

2435 KinwestWednesday Nights at IBC

ox Humana Choir Wednesdays, 6:30-8:10 p.m.IBC Worship CenterThe choral community of IBC isalways looking for new singers of all

levels — beginner or pro. Everyone

is welcome and you can join atany time! No auditions necessary.For information contact Crystal [email protected].

ESL: English as a SecondLanguage — Wednesdays,6:30–8:30 p.m. — AZ14 & 15Do you want to learn English? Im-prove your English? Come practiceall four skills: speaking, listening,reading and writing. For more info,contact Corey at [email protected].

REE Citizenship Class Wednesdays, 6:30–8 p.m.For those at least 18 years old whohave been issued a PermanentResident Card. We’ll guide youthrough the N-400 paperwork andprepare you for the main compo-nents of the new citizenship test.Contact Michael at [email protected].

Computer Literacy ClassWe are now offering a hands-onclass that will teach internet andMicrosoft office basics, includinghow to navigate the Internet, socialmedia (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), andthe basics of the Microsoft officeprograms (Word, Excel, etc). Pleasecontact Charles at [email protected].

IBC Career Transition Ministry Wednesdays, 6:30–8 p.m.Want to find a job? Come learnhow to craft a rock-solid resume,use the Internet and LinkedIn tonetwork, and ace the interview. Formore info, contact Anna Martinez [email protected].

Visit 2435kinwest.irvingbible.org for a list of other activities and ways toget involved.

MiscellaneousA Little Bit of Everything

Membership at IBC — October 9,

10:45 a.m. — West A&BIf you are interested in becominga member of IBC, please registerfor Membership Storytelling Oct.9. Learn more about the vision andbeliefs of IBC and what it means tobecome a member. (For those plan-ning to attend the Propel class inSept./Oct., Membership Storytell-ing is offered as the final session.)To register, visit membership.irving-bible.org. With questions, pleasecontact Donna O’Reilly at doreilly@

irvingbible.org.In His Image Bible StudyA small group for adults (18+)with special needs. If you know of someone who would benefit fromthis group, please contact ShannonMiller at [email protected].

NICHE (North Irving ChristianHome Educators) — Thurs., Oct.20, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in theCommons Annex Note: special daytime meeting.(Bring the kids!) Nationally ac-

claimed Christian author ReneeMeloche will present two FREEyoung writers workshops for thekids, and will speak to parentsabout teaching writing. ContactNICHE at www.texasniche.com.Reminder: childcare is not availablethrough IBC for this meeting.

Stitches of aithMondays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. — HavenFall is here and that means shorterdays and long cold nights — aperfect time to make something

warm for our military veterans!

Questions? Contact Wendy Veraat [email protected] or(214) 533-2781.

IBC Crop Night — October 7, 5-10p.m. — the Training CenterJoin us for scrapbooking fun! Justbring your pictures, albums, andtools and let’s crop. Don’t hesitateto join us if you are a card maker,paper crafter, or digital scrapper.For more information please con-tact Nikki Heinemann at [email protected]

Budget CoachingDo you ever run out of moneybefore you run out of month?We’ve all been there. Sign upfor a personal budget coach at

mmcoach.org and learn practicalstewardship skills.

Hearing AssistanceHearing Assistance is available dur-ing all three worship services. Youcan stop by the Journey Lounge forinstructions.

New ArrivalsCongratulations to the follow-ing families on the births of theirchildren:

Rigo and Sonja Velasquez and their

son Jonah Emmanuel, born July 12,7 lbs 3 oz, 19 inches

YOU

PHOTOGRAPHEROn Saturday, October 22 you are invited to a hands-on

photo clinic hosted by Trey ill of Trey ill Photoraphs

and Chatter desiner, Josh Wiese.

We will take you throuh the basics of shootin indoor

with studio lihtin and shootin outdoors usin exist-

in liht as well as directin and interactin with a model

or subject. We will also look at postproduction, provid-

in nished les to a client and how those imaes are

incorporated into a publication by a desiner. Brin your

camera because you’ll be practicin what you learn.

Questions? For more information or to let us know you

are comin e-mail Josh at [email protected].



SEX.RESTORING WHAT GODINTENDED

with Barry Jones, PhDOctober 6, 13, 20, 27

7 p.m. in the Alcoveinfo: [email protected]

Are you interestedin helping otherIBCers discoverbiblical nancial

freedom? Considerattending the Finan-cial Coach Training.

Saturday, October 15,

8:30-5:30 p.m.

NorthWood Church

1870 Rufe Snow Dr.

Keller, TX 76248

This workshop requires homework

completed in advance. Cost: $30.

Questions about the certication or training?

Contact Joan eshem at [email protected].

Blood Drive at IBC

The American Red Cross will behosting a blood drive at IBC inOctober. Sign up October 2 and9 at the Town Square kiosk.

October 16

9 a.m.-2 p.m., Town Square

October 23

4–8:30 p.m., Town SquareQuestions? Contact Joanne

Green at [email protected].

SAVE THE DATE

MARCH 31, 2012The Water is Basic 5K jerry can

race is going national. The eventwill take place both in Dallas and in

Charlotte, NC. Individual and team

sign-ups start November 1.



Fear FactorKids’ Night Outfor single-parent families

Saturday, October 156–9 p.m. in the Alcove

Come for pizza, games, crafts, plus live crittersto see and touch from Wildlife on the Move!

Register at singleparents.irvingbible.org.

(Kids under 5 years will attend KidZone.)

W h e r e i s G o d

w he n I’ m scare d?

Help Us Help Others atthe Tapestry Conference.Saturday, October , a.m.–: p.m.

The Tapestry Adoption & Foster Care Conerence is now inits fth year at IBC. Having served well over , adoptive

and oster amilies, the conerence addresses a wide range o

topics or adoptive and oster parents and proessionals.

This year we expect a % increase in attendance. To serve

our guests well we will need to have many more volunteers.

Volunteer opportunities include:

Assisting with check-in, greeting and ushering, and

helping with childcare — just to name a ew. You don’t need to

have any specifc experience or be an adoptive/oster amily.

Positions are available in both ull-day and hal-day shits.

Contact Amy Monroe at tapestry@irvingbible. org or more

ino. Lets make this year’s conerence an even bigger success!

Join us for our 2011 Fall Middle School Retreat at

Sky Ranch in Van, TX. Experience zip-lines, horse

back riding and paintball, and be challenged tostep up and use the voice that God has given you

as we study The Voice: A Study of Daniel 1-4.

Cost is $165. Register at students.irvingbible.

org or contact Middle School Pastor Trey Grant at

[email protected].

the

Voice 2011 Fall Middle School RetReat, octobeR 14–16

SNDA SCHEDLE HOW DO I GIE?



Chatter | 18

irst Worship Service: 9 a.m.

Children’s Classes (all ages)

The Tree (young marrieds and families), West D

Synergy (30s, 40s and 50s couples),Middle School Room

Second Worship Service: 10:45 a.m.

Children’s Classes (all ages)Crossroads (mid 20s to mid 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 & 50s singles), West D

Third Worship Service: 5 p.m.

Children’s Classes (all ages)

Community Dinner: 6 p.m.

Community Events: 6:45 p.m.The Point (20s singles), The Alcove

Legacy Builders (all welcome), Zone Jr. 7

Middle School, The Commons

High School, Student Ministries Area

Sunday Community Meals

Join us in the Town Square for our communitymeal on Sundays at 6 p.m. Meals are $3 per personor $10 max./family.

10/2 Pizza and salad bar

10/9 Fajita Madness

10/16 Burgers and brauts

10/23 Baked potatoes and fixin’s

10/30 IBC Way Sandwiches and salad

If you’d like to serve on a Sunday night meal team, contact Pat O’Reilly at (214) 289-6176 or [email protected].

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/mealor $10 max./family. Just come by The Commonsand grab a plate!

10/5 Turkey tetrazini, bread sticks,salad and dessert

Hosted by Pat O’Reilly10/12 Pulled pork sandwiches, Italian beans,

salad and dessertHosted by Marlene Britton

10/19 Alfredo creamed chicken, scallopedpotatoes, mixed veggies, salad and dessertHosted by Pat Downey

10/26 Mexican meal w/tacos, enchiladas, beans,chips/salsa, home-baked cookiesHosted by Barbara Witte

Changes to the menu may be made depending

on food cost and availability.If you’d like to serve on a Wednesday night meal team, please e-mail [email protected].

SNDA SCHEDLE

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

My Time, Talents & SkillsTapestry VolunteersThe 2011 Tapestry Adoption & Foster Care Con-ference is coming to IBC Saturday, October 29, 9a.m.-3:30 p.m. The conference continues to growwith over 1,000 people expected this year. Volunteersare needed to help make this conference a success.

Various positions are available in both full-day andhalf-day shifts. Contact Amy Monroe at [email protected] for more information.

Mission Class CoordinatorsThe IBC Missions department is looking for a fewindividuals to serve as coordinators of classes like En-countering the World of Islam and Hindu Interfaith.If you would like to have an impact on what God isdoing around the world, please consider this oppor-tunity. Contact Dieula at [email protected].

Mentor Kids in Single-Parent FamiliesMen mentor a boy, and women mentor a girl from

a single-parent family. It takes is a little time & a bigheart. Contact Marsha at [email protected].

My Resources

Laundry Soap and Dryer SheetsLaundry Love is collecting laundry soap and dryersheets for their monthly events in Irving. Please bringthese to the Laundry Love box in the donation areaby the Training Center. For more info visit llpirving.org or contact [email protected].

Care Packages for Armed ForcesHelp send care packages to those IBCers deployedin our armed forces. If you are interested in joiningthis team, or if you are a friend or family member of a deployed service man or woman and would liketo add them to our list, please contact A. GaylandLeddy at (817) 320-3990 or [email protected].

Cars for Missionary FamiliesDo you have an extra car to loan a missionary familyon furlough? Contact the Missions department([email protected]).

Online Giving OptionIf you would nd it more convenient to donate to theministries of Irving Bible Church online, please visitgive.irvingbible.org.

HOW DO I GIE?

We’re so glad you’re here. Sometimes it’s hard to

know where to begin, but we want to make the

process o connecting and eeling at home as easy

as possible. Here are some ways to start.

Journey Lounge is a great place to get your ques-

tions answered, fnd help and encouragement or

your personal journey, or just have a cup o coee

and settle in. Our team o volunteers would be

happy to help you and our goal is to make you eelat home. Journey Lounge is open every Sunday

ater all three worship services.

The Newcomer Gathering is an i normal get-to-

gether or 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.

Can’t seem to fgure out what IBC is all about

or how you ft into the larger picture? Want ree

breakast every Sunday or our weeks? Propel is

designed to help you fgure out how to best plug in

to IBC’s culture and calling. We’ll talk about what

it means to grow in Christ, connect in community

and join the mission — and what that might look

like or you. You’ll also learn more about member-

ship at IBC.

Small groups exist to cultivate deep relationships

that advance the kingdom o God in dark places

— dark places in our world, in our relationships

and in our hearts. We do this in the context o sermon-based Bible studies that meet in homes.

Groups are comprised o 12 people or ewer and

are ormed by leaders who have completed small

group leader training. To sign up or a group or get

more ino, contact Ryan Sanders at rsanders@

irvingbible.org.

New to IBC?

Journey LoungeHave questions? We’re here to help.

journeylounge.irvingbible.org

Small GroupsConnect with others on the journey.

smallgroups.irvingbible.org

Propel

Ready to get plugged in? propel.irvingbible.org

Newcomer GatheringLearn more about IBC

and meet others like you.

newcomergathering.irvingbible.org



Chatter | 19

The Bible is riddled with all manner of

saintly individuals. You can barely turn

an edge-gilded page without bumping intoa Peter, Paul or Mary. The good kind. Or

even a Meshach, Obadiah or Elijah i you’re

chewing your way through the OT. At frst

blush — or glance i you’re just too manly

or rouge-based wordplay — the pantheon

o saints seems like, well, a pantheon.

Untouchable, unknowable, unassailable.

Which, o course, is unmitigated balder-

dash. Perhaps even baldestdash — I’m a bit lax on my old-timey, pseudo-hillbilly

weights and measures.

In act, and even in fction i you rewatch 1949’s Samson and Delilah starring

Hedy Lamarr and the aptly named Victor Mature, the saints are all manner o

awed. Peter denied Christ and inspired the Lionel Richie hit “Three Times a

Galilean.” Paul was such a murderous Pharisee that he had to change his name

ater his conversion (although it ooled absolutely no one, not even the Sad-

ducees). David, whom the scriptures oten describe as a man ater God’s own

heart, committed acts that would make most modern politicians slink o into

obscurity as a host on MSNBC. And Obadiah, well, i you don’t know, I’m not

going to be the one to break it to you. Also, I think they may have removed the

Book o Obadiah rom the last NASB to make room or some Google Earth-stylemaps. Nice.

The oibles and, naturally, ollies o the saints are highlighted, not because the

Bible is really an ancient orebear o In Touch magazine, but to prove to us who,

shall we say, came up a b it short o spiritual depth in the sainthood lottery, that

God did, does and will use anyone to eect his plan i he so chooses regardless

o their very visible shortcomings. Some Christians fnd this inspiring. Others,

intimidating. Ater all, i God can turn a murderous, 80-year-old shepherd into

a leader capable o guiding a couple million newly reed slaves across a des-

sert, through a sea and about a wilderness, what excuse does someone who just

alternates attendance between St . Mark’s and St. Mattress’s have? Sainthood

isn’t sinless — it’s a willingness to live inside a state o divine g race in spite o

past sin.

Unless your name is Joseph.

You know Joseph. The eleventh and avored son o Jacob. Sold into slavery by

his brothers. Accused o salacious randiness by his master’s wie. Interpreter

o dreams. Second to Pharaoh in his authority over Egypt. Sporter o a bespoke

dodecacolored coat — the original Member’s Only jacket or a club in which

Joseph was the only member. You know, that guy.

What you may not know is that Joseph is one saint about whom no hint o sin is

recorded. Nothing. No trip o the tongue. No moment o pride. No longing looks

o covetousness at his neighbor’s goats. Not even a mention o a conessional

prayer like in Daniel. Nothing. (And the act that, 3,500 years later, his lie in-

spired an Osmond-led musical cannot be counted against him. Against some-

one, yes. Just not Joseph.) The guy isn’t just the Grand Poobah o the Penta-

teuch, he’s the frst runner-up to Christ. (Fortunately or us all, Jesus is always

able to ulfll his duties as Mr. Messiah o the Universe.) Sure, Joseph sinned. At

least we know he did i that consonant-altering Paul is to be trusted in Romans

3:23. But still, without a little scandal or slip-up to cut him down to our level,what can we learn rom Joseph that can’t be chalked up to some preternatural

superspiritual awesomeness?

Nothing.

I kid. O course there’s plenty to be learned rom Joseph’s trials and travails and

possibly his Tupperware i you’re the oddly nosy type. We can learn that every

moment — even those where we end up quite literally in a pit — can be handled

by and through God’s grace, knowing that it is part o his plan. We can also learn

that when God makes a promise, he keeps it. He just doesn’t always keep it on

our timetable. Thirteen long years lapsed between the time Joseph dreamedthat his brothers would bow down to him to the time they did so as he ruled over

Egypt. So maybe give the Lord more than a couple o weeks to pony up that new

iPad-shaped blessing you’ve been jonesing or.

But I think there’s one more, ve ry important lesson to be learned rom Egyptian

Joe. A lesson I’ve actually never heard preached beore. Which means it’s either

painully obvious or completely o-base — I make no claims o divine inspira-

tion on this or any other point. As we look at how much the awed collection

o saints accomplished or God when they let him lead, look at how much more

God can do when we walk with him aithully every step o the way. Sure, God

can use us in spite o ourselves, but why do we insist on wasting so much o our

lives going down that path? While I’m grateul that the Lord is w illing to dole

out a 427th chance or the 964th time, I long to not need them. Ater all, Joseph

didn’t. Or even Donny Osmond or that matter.

Jason Fox wears a lot of plaid and is a little bit rock ’n’ roll.

Josephand the AnnoyingTechnicolorMuumuu

WARNING: IDLE CHATTER IS A TONGE-IN-CHEEK LOOK AT MILDL IMPORTANT TOPICS ACING CHRISTIANIT TODA AND POSSIBL IN THE EAR 2354.

THIS COLMN MA OR MA NOT CONTAIN TRTHS THAT ARE PROOND OR PROONDL IMAGINED B THE ATHOR.

Chatter’s mom vacuumsin her duo-tone muumuu.

The Osmond family has sold102 million records worldwide.

To muumuu-wearing mothers.

In Estonia, thename is spelled “Joosep.”

In Korea: .



Chatter…you CAN take it with you. Send us

your Chatter photos on location, and you may

see yourself in an upcoming issue. E-mail us

at [email protected].

The Carpenter family at Orange Beach,AL. Chatter just loves summer vacations.

chatter, october 2011

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