JANUARY 2011

Chatter
This month marks the one year anniversary of my husband and Is move to Portland, Ore. It was exactly one year ago that I quit my cush job at D Magazine to pursue a freelance writing career in the pacific northwest. While there are times I miss working in a busy newsroom with many colorful people, I wouldnt trade my work-from-home/Im-my-own-boss lifestyle for anything. The hardest part has been adjusting to the quiet and sometimes lonely environment of having a home office. Out of sheer extroverted desperation, I quickly invented ways to keep myself from going crazy. I started talking to my dog (unintentionally at first), but that only worked for a day and soon conjured up thoughts of straitjackets and padded walls; sorry Tobias. So I decided to get out. I began hitting up local coffee shops for a little caffeinated writing and editing, and, more importantly, for a chance to be surrounded by people during work hours. For some people, working in coffee shops comes easily. Unfortunately, Im not one of those people. Ive never been good at focusing while such interesting conversations are taking place all around me coffee shop conversations rank pretty high on my list of eavesdropping favorites, second only to late night public transportation discussions. See, Im what my husband calls a serial eavesdropper. More specifically though, Im a terrible eavesdropper; and by terrible I mean painfully obvious. I make eye contact when I should be pretending to work, I laugh loudly at the jokes intended for that group only, and Im pretty known for jumping in to a conversation or two if my interest has been peaked enough. My husband has actually had to stop me before turning around towards the booth behind me to join a rousing debate about the role religion plays in politics. But I digress. For the past few hours Ive been sitting at a little antique table in the corner of Insomnia Coffeehouse, stewing over what my final words will be this is my final letter to write for Chatter before your thoroughly rested, now mother-of-two editor Julie will be back in the proverbial saddle. In between sips of chai and furies of typing, I cant seem to drown out the similarly themed conversations around me. Ive listened to table after table talk about change. From achieving his 60-pound-mark of his weight loss goal to returning from her honeymoon and talking about what married life is like to discussing what 2011 will bring for the two world travelers in the corner ordering single shots of espresso, it seems only appropriate to continue the conversation of change with you, dear IBCer. Like most of you, this year is going to be full of change for me. I only wish I could continue going through all the changes alongside you all like I have been for the past few months. (I especially wish I could be around when Chatter designer Josh Wiese and his beautiful wife welcome their baby girl into the world in a few short months!) Ive loved being able to share a part of who I am with you and have cherished the e-mails and Facebook posts from those of you who have been generous enough to share a part of who you are with me. Working on Chatter has been a truly wonderful experience, and coming from an outsider (or at least a long-distance IBCer), I want you all to understand what a fantastically unique community you are all a part of. In my short time working on Chatter, I have met men who can make me cry from laughing so hard over an e-mail filled with amazing wit and humor, women who send intimate encouragement to a person theyve only met once or not at all, and other men who have that fatherly ability and tenderness to make you want to challenge yourself to love God and people more through whatever you have been gifted to do. I have loved being a part of something this great. So IBC, thank you for your listening ears, your welcoming hearts and the gracious gift of your time. I hope every person who walks through your doors this year can feel as welcomed as I have in this amazing community. Its with this that I pass you on to the much more capable and witty hands of your editorextraordinaire Julie Rhodes. BEGIN SHAMELESS FREELANCE PLUG: For all writing and editing needs, please contact Kristy Alpert at kristy.alpert@gmail.com or check her out on LinkedIn and Facebook. She has extensive experience in magazine, technical and website writing, and is an editor trained in both AP Style and the Chicago Manual of Style. Also, she would really love to hear how you are all doing.

a letter from

Stand-in Editor Extraordinaire Kristy Alpert Art Direction, Design & Goodness Josh Wiese & Dennis Cheatham Photography David Farris (Womans Christmas Dinner Update) The Big Cheese Bill Buchanan Visit Chatter online at chattermag.com. Contact Chatter at chatter@irvingbible.org.
Chatter is a publication of Irving Bible Church | 2435 Kinwest Pkwy, Irving, TX 75063 (972) 560-4600 | irvingbible.org

Womens Christmas Dinner

On Tuesday, December 7, more than 800 women were on hand for IBCs annual Womens Christmas Dinner. The tables were decorated and fun was in abundance. Also, over $3,000 from raffle ticket sales was donated to Congo Pastors Wives Economic Empowerment.

Racial Diversity in Heaven

Racial Diversity in Heaven

 Diversity in the church gives us a glimpse of what heaven will be like.

Enrichment magazine embarrassed to admit: when it comes to heaven aside from the imagery of streets of gold, the harp music playing and Jesus glory as our main source of light I never pictured heaven to include racial diversity. Racial diversity in heaven that concept took me years to accept and wrap my mind around. My journey started in Haiti, where I was born and spent my childhood. Haiti has a diverse history with the British, Hispanics and French. In fact, when you visit Haiti you do not simply see a black country, but rather a mix of all different shades representing the groups from Haitis rich history.
I read the above quote some time back and Ive been pondering on those words ever since. The quote reveals a declaration to a secret Im almost

people with different lifestyles and ways of life. The purpose of being a part of the Haitian church had run its course and it was time for a change. My change came in college. I went to college about an hour away from home and, for the first time in my entire life, I was alone. I had my own room, my own bed and I made my own decisions (can you hear the Janet Jackson song Control playing in the background?). It was like I stepped into the United Nations; I must have made friends with someone from every country. It was great! Some of my best friends were from different countries; Ngozi from Nigeria, Afia from Ghana, Nancy from Egypt, Kimmany from Jamaica, Tinaya was biracial, Nancy from El Salvador, Simone from the U.S. and Anide and Ludy from Haiti. For some reason college felt more like heaven than church ever did. These friends of mine from all different backgrounds and lifestyles taught me more about heaven than any Bible study ever did. They accepted me and loved me deeply. The great thing about these friendships was that everyone became more of themselves around each other. We loved each other so much that Ngozi would never want me to become Nigerian to continue our friendship nor would I want her to be Haitian for our friendship to flourish. In fact, we became more ethnocentric around each other. When they became more of themselves, I became more of myself. If that isnt a picture of heaven, I dont know what is. As the old saying goes, every good thing must come to an end, and so did college. I graduated, got married, had children and moved back to my all exclusive Haitian church. Again, this community was no longer fulfilling the needs of my family. Dont get me wrong, theres nothing wrong with all exclusive churches; the immigrant communities need them as a way to find community and survive. But for me it had run its course. To help us with our little situation, God moved us out here to Dallas to experience a part of diversity I have never experienced before: worshipping for the first time with American believers in American run churches. I visited a predominantly black church and although our skins were the same color, there were vast differences and I hesitated and questioned the community. My family and I then visited predominantly white churches and in addition to the blue-jean-attire and coffee-in-the-worship-center was the visible difference of our race. As a result, the past five years have been a struggle as we were handed only two options for church, the black church or the white church; and unfortunately we felt we belonged to neither. We often prayed for a multicultural church or for the Lord to bring us back home to New Jersey. God has not answered the latter prayer, but weve had glimpses of the former here at IBC. It all started with a crazy idea two members on staff envisioned: a Pentecost/cultural festival. The day of Pentecost is the day in our church history where the Holy Spirit was actualized and unleashed, and people from all different cultures and races were able to hear the gospel in their own native tongues. The IBC leaders for the Pentecost/cultural festival wanted to recreate that cultural essence, and I desperately wanted to be a part of it. In my own naivety, I had no clue what I was signing up for. The first clue of the scope of this day came in our very first planning meeting, in that small room in West C. As we took our seats, I began to notice that everyone in that room was from a different race and culture; the only thing we had in common was Jesus. The climax of this five year journey occurred on the day of Pentecost on stage reading Acts chapter two with my brothers and sisters in our native tongues. It was as if Jesus had his arms around us saying, These are my children of whom I am well pleased. Diversity in heaven is not our idea; it was and is Jesus ingenious plan from the beginning. I cant wait until we get to heaven to experience true diversity where every last one of us feels completely at home to worship our Savior all day long, uninhibited. Until then we have the earth as our practice field as we get a daily glimpse of eternity. Dieula Previlon is a graduate of the ESL program thanks to Sesame Street!
Drinking coffee in church sits at number 231 in the list of Stuff Christians Like literally followed by the magical power of denim. (stuffchristianslike.net)

I grew up one of six siblings. My older sister Angie is the only fair skinned sibling along with my father and his side of the family. The fair-skinned phenomenon in Haiti is sometimes titled mulatos, which simply means someone with a biracial background usually white and black. I grew up knowing about different races, but I simply did not realize how many there were or how we were equally brothers and sisters in the kingdom. Our church in Haiti, from what I remember, never mentioned racial diversity. We were an exclusive group of Haitian believers so there was no reason to emphasize or teach about diversity in heaven. Heaven, for me, at that point was simply angels, beauty and, of course, the presence of Jesus. We then moved to the States in the late 80s where being an exclusive Haitian community was no longer the norm. We moved into a neighborhood at a time where the town seemed to be becoming predominantly black. The community seemed to resist having us around and we resisted being a part of the community. I think this was the very first time we, as a family, experienced racism. I hated being Haitian and different. Church was the only place I was fully accepted and was able to share life with other Haitians. If it was not for that Haitian church, our transition into the U.S. would have been detrimental. Within a couple of years our English improved and the community seemed to be more accepting of us. Church, however, was still an exclusive Haitian church and we were becoming more Americanized with needs the church was not addressing. It was no longer us vs. them. My views on life were changing, my concepts of the church were changing and my concept of people was also changing. I wanted to reach across the aisle to get to know these different

Dont just sing Control, take control and suggest cities for Janet Jacksons largest ever world tour at www.janetjackson.com.

The Chatter staff loves Dieulas phrase fair-skinned phenomenon (mentioned in the second paragraph). We may make t-shirts.

Chatter | 5

Youve stumbled onto another edition of Chatter Tried It. Its not to late to skip it you know. That being said, were pretty sure the same undefinable gnawing that urges you to purchase a Fushigi at 2:15 a.m. (or ever) will also keep you reading. Its no EZ Cracker but have we got a deal for you.

The Awesome Auger

The Awesome Auger is either the Chuck Norris of electric kitchen beaters or the Steve Buscemi of yard implements. Sadly, it professes to be the latter and not the former (minus the slight to Steve). It also has introduced an awkward new word into my vocabulary. Auger, noun: a hand tool with a corkscrew-shaped bit for boring holes. One can only assume the verbification of this word would be to aug as in, I auged a little patch of dirt today in the backyard. Or, Im sick of auging but I anticipate having to aug again next Friday. Ugh. But back to the review. The Awesome Auger promises to take the hard work out of yard work, appealing to those of us who cringe at both hard and yard work. In half the time, the AA promises to be a powerful tiller in the palm of your hand. Just plug the Auger into any drill and watch the miracle unfurl before you till, weed, aerate, dig holes for planting bushes or scare your toddler off with a loud spinning blade all in mere minutes instead of backbreaking hours. My first beef is they promise to send you the Awesome Auger for only $19.95 plus shipping and handling. But this doesnt include the drill, the most important mechanism for making the miracle of power-auging (or augerating?) possible. And the shipping and handling totals upwards of about $40, what with the bonus weeder and extender that you get for free, all for a grand total of $63.42. But that price really doesnt roll of the tongue, so they just round it down by $43.
Another auger-ific invention, the Zamboni, was invented by Frank J. Zamboni in the late 1940s. This cool (see what we did there?) machine uses an auger to remove loose ice particles from the top of the ice on skating rinks in order to create a smooth surface.

In theory, the AA is not difficult to assemble per se. The truth is, Im not good with power drills in general and my husband ended up having to do it. I pity the old person or other weaker vessel who no doubt purchased the AA to make their lives easier, only to find themselves working up a sweat merely to screw the Auger into the drill. And if you didnt order the bona-fide Auger drill and are using your 10-year-old Black and Decker, all bets are truly off. Once I got rolling though, it was hard to stop. As in, impossible. As in, if you lifted the AA above your head, you might quite accidentally fly away into the atmosphere in a one-woman helicopter of your own clumsy creation. It was a miracle I didnt destroy the sprinkler heads in my flowerbed, but I did get a blister on my thumb after only 10 minutes. I will say there is something devilishly pleasurable about annihilating the dandelions infesting my landscaping. Their pulverized carcasses were wrapped gruesomely around the Auger when all was said and done, and that feeling might actually be worth the $60 if you werent afraid of the Auger flying off and decapitating the family pet. Which is possible, given my Auger came loose from the drill. Twice. I felt it wobbling just in time to let off the trigger and let the dust settle before launching in again on the crab grass like a crazed housewife. My advice? Accept the curse in Genesis where God says that working the land will be toilsome. Because try as it might, the Awesome Auger is definitely not a loophole around this biblical pronouncement and might actually be the very fruition of it in the 21st century. Julie Rhodes was once bitten by a giraffe.

Chatter | 6

The first auger is said to have been invented sometime in the 200s B.C. by Archimedes. And thats awesome.

SUDAN

CONGO

Democratic Republic of the

Goma

RWANDA

A Hostage Set Free

A little over two years ago during a visit to Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), I heard about a dilemma in which the local ALARM office had found itself. ALARM had a parcel of land on the outskirts of town with plans to construct some facilities there in the future. However, there is a unique situation in Goma that applies to land that was bought for the purpose of building structures or land development. It seems that if you dont begin or complete the development within a specified time limit, the property reverts back to the government. At the time I remember praying that God would provide the means and resources to fulfill The new ALARM building in Goma, Congo. the goal of developing the land so ALARM could extend their services and mission even further into the DRC. Congo is the twelfth largest country in the world and has a population of nearly 71 million, making it the eleventh most populous nation in the world. However, its also the second poorest country in the world. Depending on your age you may also know this country as the Belgian Congo or Zaire. The region is rich in coltan, a mineral used to manufacture electronic capacitors used in cell phones, computers, video game systems and DVD players, but the high value of this mineral has caused the area to be the scene of incredible conflict. In eastern Congo, where Goma is located, the prevalence and intensity of rape and sexual violence is described as the worst in the world. Along with violence as result of the Rwandan genocide in 1996, the region is also one of the deadliest in the world and its estimated that 45,000 people die every month. Sadly, violence is not the only culprit as disease takes a terrible toll and accounts for many of the deaths. So, for ALARM to even be in Goma, DRC, is a miracle. For them to play an active role in health education, conflict resolution, pastor training, vocational training and overall ministering to the needs of the Congolese is a mighty struggle. Thats all the more reason to have land and to develop that land to carry on their mission to make a difference in peoples lives now and for years to come. So, I was delighted and thrilled to receive an update on the land and how ALARM has been able to move forward. The message to the right is from Bakanoba Kivy, coordinator of communication and development for ALARM Congo. I had the pleasure of being with Kivy for a week in Rwanda in 2007 during a training class. He is an amazing man with an incredible story to tell but thats for another time. He loves the Lord and he loves his fellow countryman in Congo.

ALARMs Land is Rescued! ALARMs plot of land in Goma is rescued by the building of the first permanent house on it. The land development contract issued at the purchase had expired and was renewed twice, but there was no fund to start development. March 2010 was the deadline for losing the plot. We thank our merciful God who provided funds at the last minute. When ALARM Congo started the building there was great disappointment by the new developers who were adamantly waiting to take it over. Some of them even tried to stop the construction work that ALARM Congo had undertaken, but ALARM won. Now ALARM can apply for permanent title deed for the land. ALARM Congo decided to start by building a house instead of a wall fence, as the land department does not consider a fence as development, and it is therefore not acceptable for issuing a permanent title deed. The new hall has seating capacity for 100 people, which is big enough for most of ALARMs conferences. The land is a training centre project with hostels and conference halls for ALARMs leadership and reconciliation training program. It will serve as a counseling center for raped and abused young girls and women. It will also be used as a community center where people can gather to learn about HIV/AIDS, peace building and community development. On Sundays, the hall will be used as a worship center for the community. For now, this function is delayed due to lack of water, toilets and chairs. In the future, the center will allow ALARM Congo to extend its training program to further regions, as trainees from those regions could come to reside at the center during training. It will spare ALARM Congo from hiring hotel facilities or other halls for conferences, and ALARM Congo can generate income by renting the facilities to other people for their functions. The new hall still needs glass for windows, paint for the walls along with toilets, tables and chairs. Please join us in prayer for the following next steps in the development of the land: piped water, a kitchen, a dining hall and a small dormitory for hosting 50 to 60 people. We believe God, who provided for the construction of our new hall, will do the same in order to minister to his downtrodden people. Bakanoba Kivy Praise God for the work that ALARM is doing in Goma to be the hands and feet of Jesus! You can find out more about ALARM on their website, alarm-inc.org and how they are the living embodiment of Mathew 25: 35-40. In another life Bill Buchanan would have chosen to be an architect and build great things that can be touched, felt and experienced. Instead, he bangs on a computer keyboard sending different combinations of 1s and 0s down a piece of copper (or thru the air) creating letters on a screen. Of course, there is the possibility of what happens in the movie Tron but he thinks that just crazy.

Believe it or not, the 1995 movie Congo, starring Tim Curry and Laura Linney, was not based on a true story.

It was the large demand for multiple tantalum electrolytic capacitors in the production of the Sony PlayStation 2 that raised the world price of coltan from $49 per pound to $275 per pound.

Chatter | 7

The

m Hu

an

Tr

Perhaps youve heard theres a big game coming to town in the month of February. Its estimated that over 100,000 people will attend the game in person and over 100 million will watch it on television. Much has been done and is being done to prepare for this massive display of football splendor. According to the Dallas Morning News, the projected economic impact will be about $611.7 million a potential record.

Big Game
f af i i ck ng
Poverty Sexual abuse Family substance/physical abuse Individual disabilities Loss of parent/caregiver Runaway/throwaway Sexual identity issues Lack of support systems

Who are the traffickers targeting? According to the article Risk Factors of Minor Domestic Sex Trafficking Victims, most of these exploited children are affected by the following:

An event like this does more than just encourage economic growth for a region. What many are beginning to realize is that sporting events like this often are accompanied by a dark side. Because of the nature of the event with many visitors in town away from their families and without accountability there is an increase in demand for prostitution and other forms of sexual exploitation. With this influx comes a demand for human trafficking. According to the Department of Justice, Children trafficked into prostitution are often found around major sporting events. Since children are often more vulnerable, they are easy to move and in high demand, they make ideal victims to travel to major sporting events. Some pimps and traffickers will rent a house or an apartment (or even a block of houses) temporarily near the stadium to establish a brothel.

Some of the most vulnerable segments of the population are homeless children and teens. Many of these kids leave their homes because of the physical, sexual, drug and alcohol abuse they encounter there. Statistically, within 48 hours of

is there something I can do to help?

Finally, here are a few easy things you can do on an ongoing basis.
1. Pray! Make human trafficking a part of your daily prayer life. Pray written prayers. Pray the Word of God. God desires to hear from his people. 2. Educate anyone you know about human trafficking. (Remember one statistic: every minute two children are sold in the world.) 3. Donate funds to organizations that are fighting slavery here in the United States and throughout the world. Those funds could be life or death to a woman or a child. 4. Find a local organization that deals with the risk factors facing potentially trafficked children. This can be something our children help fight; something as simple as donating their books to a shelter or delivering food to a food pantry can help a child at risk.

Chatter | 8

According to the National Runaway Switchboard, more than 1.6 million youth run away each year. (nrscrisisline.org)

leaving home, one out of three will become a victim of human trafficking, most likely by forced prostitution and sexual exploitation. Tragically, the average age of entry into prostitution in the United States is 1213 years old. Pimps know who to target and how to manipulate. They prey on those that are most vulnerable. At risk children are seduced with promises of love or a better life. Some are drawn in through friendships they develop online. But once lured in, there is virtually no way out. Their dignity is stripped from them as they are raped, beaten, drugged and transformed into a commodity. But this kind of commodity is unlike drugs or weapons, because those things can only be sold once. This commodity can be sold again and again and again. The grim realities of human trafficking are almost more than any of us can imagine. But we need to be aware that these things arent just happening on the other side of the world. Theyre happening much closer to home; theyre happening on our turf.

As people called to love our neighbors we need to ask what we can do to respond. In the next few weeks as the Super Bowl approaches, youll be hearing more about opportunities to get involved in IBCs response efforts. For now, take a few minutes and familiarize yourself with the following information (below). If you have encountered someone you think may be a trafficking victim or come across any suspicious behavior call the National Human Trafficking hotline at 1-888-3737-888. Consider saving this number in your cell phone. In an emergency call 911. Many of us will be tuned in to watch the big game. While you watch, take a moment to pray for this event. Pray for those who have been trafficked. Pray for our community. Pray for those that would enslave. Pray for the men who believe sexual exploitation of women and children is okay.
Questions about becoming involved or IBCs role in helping end sex slavery?

Contact Kim Jones at kjones@irvingbible.org.

Kim Jones loves chocolate, red velvet, and carrot cake; but she only eats the icing.

How do I identify a victim of human trafficking?

A victim:
Has unexplained absences from school for a period of time Demonstrates an inability to attend school on a regular basis Chronically runs away from home Makes references to frequent travel to other cities Exhibits bruises or other physical trauma, withdrawn behavior, depression or fear Lacks control over her or his schedule or identification documents Is hungry, malnourished or inappropriately dressed (based on weather conditions or surroundings) Shows signs of drug addiction

Additional signs that may indicate sex-related trafficking include:

Demonstrates a sudden change in attire, behavior or material possessions (e.g., has expensive items) Makes references to sexual situations that are beyond age-specific norms Has a boyfriend who is noticeably older (10+ years) Makes references to terminology of the commercial sex industry that are beyond age specific norms; engages in promiscuous behavior and may be labeled fast by peers
U.S. Department of Educations Office of Safe & Drug-Free Schools

Dallas Cowboys Stadium has a turf system that allows for three different field configurations.

Chatter | 9

MENTOR a wise Mentoring and trusted counselor, advisor, coach, guide, instructor, teacher, trainer, tutor, confidante, friend, helper, ally, model.
for kids from single parent families

Family Ties, our single parent ministry, strives to mentor every boy and girl from single parent families at IBC, and we invite you to come along on this journey. After reading the testimonies, we hope you will get a better picture of what a mentor relationship looks like and become part of the dream to look after orphans in their distress and to help crush the crisis in fatherlessness in America. Along with your prayers for the ministry, we encourage you to bring your talents and gifts and encourage the heart of a child who would benefit from your friendship. Mentoring requires no degrees, big bank accounts, or fancy titles it just means sharing who you are!

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.
James 1:27 (NIV-2010)

Mentoring Ministry
for boys in single parent families
How would you like to mentor a boy from an IBC single parent family? You could help offset the crisis in fatherlessness in America with a little of your time. Here are some ways you can make a difference in a boys life: help with planning events and building the ministry organize a service project for the boys to do host a cook-out in your backyard or another fun event teach one workshop on a how-to skill for boys volunteer to hang out with the boys during the monthly workshop take a boy on the Mens Canoe Trip in April Contact Marsha at mtribbett@irvingbible.org for more details.

Christys Story

Kennys Story

Growing up in my house (notice I did not say home) was like growing up on the streets. It was dark and scary and full of unspeakable acts. There was never a person in my life that took the time to teach me truth. In my house, love equaled pain. I built a thick wall of steel around me so no one could get in and thats exactly how I wanted it. I honestly didnt think God could even get in and why would I want Him to? If God is love, I had had enough love to last me a lifetime. As I became an adult and a single parent with no tools or knowledge, I wish I would have known someone who couldve been there for my daughter. My daughter Tiffany grew up in a single parent home (if that). With a mom addicted to drugs and alcohol, Tiffany spent much of her time alone. Not always physically, but emotionally as well. She had no one to guide or direct her. I tried so hard and did manage to keep a roof over our heads, but as you know, a child needs much more than that. I remember the guilt of not spending time with her and not having the tools to guide her properly because I was always working to make ends meet. When I wasnt working, I was too tired to be a mom. Put simply, she was on her own. Today, I know the truth. I know that it is my duty to share the gospel of Christ; especially to children. Tiffany is now a single parent with two daughters of her own and I finally get to do it right. My mission is to break generational curses within my family so my grandkids can have a better beginning. I mentor them every time we are together. Since I have found Christ it is so easy to love them. Love is an action and I know there are a lot of young girls out there who arent afforded the one-on-one attention just by virtue of growing up in a single parent home. IBC is able to offer more for single parents through a mentoring program we would like to get started for girls. I believe we have to reach children while theyre young. This is not to say that single parents are failing their children in any way. This is to say, We are here to help if you want it. Single parents try. They try so hard, but periodically both parent and child need a break. I know Tiffany needs breaks and I delight in picking up my granddaughters on Saturdays, having sleepovers and bringing them to church with me on Sundays. We do all sorts of fun things and they really benefit from the attention being centered on them. What a gift from God to be able to do for them what I could not do for my daughter. His grace is amazing. I hope you will join me in my mission to mentor girls whose parent just needs a little help. Christy Keith

My experience mentoring in the Boys Mentoring program has been very rewarding and worthwhile. My father passed away from a heart attack when I was four years old, leaving my mother with the daunting task of raising two boys on her own with only an elementary education and very little English. My mom worked hard to provide and give my brother and me a normal childhood. Unfortunately, when it came to teaching us how to be Godly men, she was limited. I had Gods blessing of having a man outside my home who modeled a Christian life. He and his wife invested their time in me and loved me, gracefully teaching me the gospel of Jesus Christ. Being around him and his wife hanging out, breaking bread and asking questions about sermons and life in general made a tremendous impact on my life. I remember dealing with problems normal boys deal with growing up and going to him for guidance and advice, and asking him what the Bible teaches regarding those problems. Looking back I realized he was my mentor and he helped sustain my walk with Christ over the years. Experiencing Gods love through him made me want to pay it forward and give Train up a child in everything I have learned to a boy who the way he should does not have a man in his life. I was blessed to meet Gio at IBC and be his go: and when he mentor. Its been really fun hanging out is old, he will not with him, whether it is going to a Rangers game, grabbing a bite to eat, teaching depart from it. him how to throw and catch a football or Proverbs 22:6 just hanging out and sharing about how Christ has impacted my life. Though he was really shy when we first met, I can see the joy in his eyes when we meet now to go do something. I can tell me being in his life is affecting him in a positive manner as I continue to just be with him, encourage him in his endeavors and listen to whatever he is dealing with. It is amazing how God can use you to impact a boys life. I would encourage any man from IBC to consider mentoring a boy and making a difference in his life. Kenny Hassenteuffel Interested in becoming a mentor or helping with the mentoring ministry? Contact Marsha at mtribbett@irvingbible.org or (972) 5604633, ext. 586 for more information.

Mentoring Ministry
for girls in single parent families
If your heart was touched by these testimonies, would you please consider being a part of our mentoring ministry for girls in single parent families? What part can you play? Become involved in leadership Help brainstorm and organize the ministry Spread the word about this new ministry Plan events and service projects Organize and lead a fun Girls Day Out manicures, anyone? Lets walk alongside young girls and, by doing so, lend a hand to their single parents. Contact Marsha at mtribbett@irvingbible.org for more information or show up at the Mo on Thursday, January 13 from 6:30-7:45 p.m. to discuss the ministry. RSVP with Marsha at (972) 5604633 ext. 586.

Guy Stuff
for boys in single parent families
It is surprising to see how many young men in America have never learned simple skills such as how to swing a hammer, check the oil in a car, tie a necktie or polish their shoes We are inviting young men to join us for Guy Stuff a free workshop every month on Saturday mornings here at IBC to learn new skills. We are going to learn the lost art of manliness and have some fun just being guys! Yes, there may be occasional grunting, growling and greasy food involved. The first meeting will be on Saturday, January 15 at 10 a.m. in the Commons Annex. We will be working with basic tools with which every guy should be familiar. No, it does not involve heavy power tools. Parents, please register your kids on-line under Single Parent Ministry Guy Stuff for January.

GET IT TOGETHER
Im 45. I became a Christian at 22. Ive calculated that Ive listened to at least

920 sermons, not counting the ones Ive preached; I have over 3,600 books on or about Christianity; I have a masters and a doctorate from two different seminaries. You would think with all that knowledge I would have it all together and would be faultless in my walk with Jesus. We expect that the more we know about Jesus the more we will live like Jesus. Unfortunately thats not always the case. So many times our knowledge doesnt connect to our actions. We know what Scripture says about sex outside of marriage yet we continue to have sex outside of marriage. We know what the Scripture says about gossip and slander and yet we go to the office and let it rip. We know what Scripture says about being one with our brothers and sisters and yet we find ourselves being divisive. We all do this and many times we dont even realize it. Simply put: our faith and actions arent lining up. But Jesus desires more for us. He wants us to be people who live what we believe. He wants us to live an authentic faith. A faith that merges belief with action.

This is what Paul was demanding of the Corinthians in his letter to the Corinthian church. In 1 Corinthians Paul challenged the Christians to live out what they knew. These early Christians were privileged with exceptional teaching from teachers such as Priscilla, Aquilla, Apollos and Paul, yet they werent living out what they had learned. Instead the church was rampant with division, fighting, sexual immorality and pride. Paul exhorted them to Get it Together, to merge faith with action. And Paul is making the same exhortation to us. We too need to get it together by merging our faith with our actions. In our upcoming womens Bible study, we will be taking on this challenge to become believers who live out the truth we know. Join us starting Tuesday, January 11. Jackie Roese thinks flip flops are adequate footwear for all occasions.

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

merging faith and action

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

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

HOsTeD By:

Chatter | 12

Random Chatter Fact: Chatter is a two-color publication. Meaning that each month it is printed using only two ink colors. One of the two is always black. The secondary color this month is PMS 3135.

Special Needs
Hi there! Good to see you! How are you? Welcome! These are phrases you may hear as you enter IBC any given Sunday. What if you heard, Im sorry, we cant facilitate your child? Unfortunately, those are words families do hear at times as they attempt to attend different churches; families who have a child with differences or special needs. At Irving Bible Church, we are blessed to have a wonderful Special Needs Ministry. We strive to be sure those words of un-acceptance are never spoken to any family here. Our ministry is growing fast and the opportunity for loving, caring volunteers is ever increasing. All you need to bless these families with us, and be blessed in return, is a heart to serve God with a love for his children. We love to have all children in social and age appropriate classes together. What a great time of sharing and learning as children with special needs are growing and learning about Jesus along with other children their age with a special volunteer helping them along. These wonderful volunteers are called SonShine Pals. SonShine Pals are integral parts of our teaching time. They are there to assist in the class as a whole while making sure their pal is engaged and learning alongside his/her classmates in his/her own way. Additionally, we have a SonShine Room staffed with SonShine Pals for children who just arent comfortable in a group setting. Contact Diana Blessing at (972) 5604610 or dblessing@irvingbible. org with any questions or visit our page on the irvingbible.org site for more information, to fill out an application and background check and get started. We are so thankful for our volunteers and the love they show to the children at IBC. Its a wonderful thing to be a church that works hard together to serve Christ and welcome every child in to our community. The Special Needs Ministry at IBC strives to serve families who have children with special needs with Monthly Respite Care evenings, Support Group and SonShine Pals on Sundays.

The world of books is the most remarkable creation of man: nothing else that he builds ever lasts. Monuments fall; nations perish; civilizations grow old and die out; new races build others. But in the world of books are volumes that have seen this happen again and again and yet live on. Still young, still as fresh as the day they were written, still telling mens hearts, of the hearts of men centuries dead. Clarence Day

Annual Scholastic Book Fair

Each year, Irving Bible Church supports the kids at Townsell Elementary by providing each child with a book of their own. Get involved by attending our Annual Scholastic Book Fair on Sunday, February 20, in the Town Square before and after all 3 services. A portion of all proceeds from book sales will go to purchase books for Townsell students.
What: Annual Scholastic Book Fair Where: Town Square Date: February 20 Time: Before and after each Sunday Service

For more info, contact Melissa Franke at (972) 560-4633 ext. 554 or mfranke@irvingbible.org.

Scholastic began its school-based Book Fair business in 1981.

Chatter | 13

This MonTh
Bible Communities
Communities on Sunday
Theres always something new going on in Bible communities! Heres a taste of whats going on this month: Synergy 9 a.m. Jr. High Room Join us for a new series entitled iParenting in the Synergy class, beginning January 15, as we take a look at parenting and learn from Gods Word how to parent wisely, intentionally and lovingly in order to raise up a generation fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Journey 10:45 a.m. Jr. High Room Join us for The Wounded Warrior, a twelve-week study where we will spend time discussing the challenges of life, our failures, Gods unrelenting love, repentance and redemption. Crossroads 10:45 a.m. Alcove Come visit Crossroads for our exciting new series Restoring Freedom to Overloaded Lives, part of IBCs Explore Series. We will discuss how to identify and reduce the causes of overload in our lives. Renew 10:45 a.m. Training Center The Renew Bible community will start a series Strengthening Marriage on January 2. Does your marriage need a New Years tune up? Join us as we discover ways to know each other better and celebrate Gods gift of marriage. The Tree 9 a.m. West D Join us this month as we continue to study the fruit of gentleness and how God wants us to apply it in all aspects of life. Next month we will begin the relational study, Love and Respect. For more info or to find out more about all our Bible communities, go to biblecommunities.irvingbible.org or call Jen at (972) 5604655. The first Wednesday of each month a support group for families meets from 6:308:30 p.m. after the weekly meal. For more info contact Diana at dblessing@ irvingbible.org. MyZone* MyZone is a safe environment for kids with team building activities, life-application conversations and high impact fun! Wednesdays, 6:308:30 p.m. in the Zone Grades K5 Zone 6:30* Zone 6:30 is a great way for your elementary age child to grow deeper in his/her spiritual walk. Now is the time to help your child take the next step; sign them up for this dynamic small group Bible study that has a lifelong impact. Who: K5 grade When: 6:158:30 p.m. every Tuesday Where: The Zone Fee: $25 per child to cover the cost of the study book and activities through the year
Register at zone630.irvingbible.org

walk the journey alone. Griefshare meets Tuesday nights, 6:308 in the Conference Room and childcare is available (we will need to know your needs ahead of time.) The next group will begin on January 25. For info contact Sharon at shararrington@verizon.net. Grace for the Wounded Grace for the Wounded is a confidential weekly small group program for survivors of abuse in all forms. We cover issues like what the Bible says about abuse and how surviving abuse has impacted us. The dynamics and impacts of abuse are universal and all are welcome. Womens group starts at 6:30 p.m. Contact Bernie: (678) 8604575 Mens group starts at 6:30 p.m. Contact Paul: (214) 2268234.

Financial Peace University Begins January 19 in West B/D. Contact kyeichner@irvingbible.org for more information.

IBCMen

Ministry to Men
First Watch Resumes Fridays at 6:22 a.m. and Tuesdays at 6:30 a.m. Series: Viewpoint First Watch Xtra Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. in the Training Center Visit men.irvingbible.org for info.

Local Partners

Reaching the Community

TapestrySaturday, January 15 from 6:308:30 p.m. Tapestry will host Adoption from the Inside Out, focusing on what adoptive/foster parents bring to the parent-child relationship in terms of attachment and connecting. Kidzone available for ages 0-5th grade with advanced registration at kidzone.irvingbible. org at least 48 hours in advance. Tapestry has a variety of small groups for everyone on the adoption or foster care journey. More info at www.tapestryministry.org.

Espaol

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

* For more info, contact Melissa Franke at mfranke@irvingbible.org or call (972) 560-4633 ext.554

Community Care
Hope for the Hurting
Recovery at IBC Thursdays, 6:008:30 p.m. West WingYouth Lounge Join us for a light meal at 6:00 for just $4. Do you deal with perfectionism, pride, overeating, inappropriate anger or control? Come check us out to see if were for you. Many have and you may too anonymously! Shelter from the Storm This is a 16-week, confidential, small group study for women who have experienced the trauma of sexual abuse and its resulting pain. We will journey together, experiencing what it means to find hope and healing from the storm of sexual abuse. For more infomation about these groups that are held at IBC on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, contact Michelle Robinson at shelterfromthestormibc@gmail.com. Griefshare Tuesdays from 6:308 p.m. the Conference Room We are a caring group of people who will walk along side you through one of lifes most difficult experiences. You dont have to

Seasoned Saints

For the Young at Heart (ages 55+)

Potluck Lunch and Fellowship January 16 Commons Annex Join us for some fellowship and food after the second morning service in the Commons Annex adjoining the Haven. Bring a dish to share if you can. Dinner and a Show January 27, 6:15 p.m. Joes Coffee Shop and the Dupree Theatre Meet for dinner at Joes Coffee Shop located at 425 Irving Boulevard before heading out for an 8 p.m. show at the Dupree Theatre. The ICT Mainstage presents First Baptist of Ivy Gap, a comedy/ drama about six women rolling bandages during WWII and their reunion 25 years later. PG13 rating. For reservations, call the ICT Mainstage Box Office at (972) 2522787

Children

Infants Through 5th Grade

Respite Care for Special Needs Caregivers One Saturday evening a month respite is provided by volunteers to give caregivers of children with special needs and their siblings a few hours to themselves. Support Group for Families of Special Needs Children

Explore

Learning Experiences for the Journey

Alpha Begins January 12 in West A.

Chatter | 14

Single-Parent Family
Community and Resources
Boys Mentoring Workshop How to Use Basic Tools Saturday, January 15, 10 a.m. noon in the Commons Annex Training for Mentors of kids in single parent families Thursday, January 21 from 68:30 p.m. West C Questions about a single-parent event? Contact Marsha at (972) 5604633 x586 or mtribbett@irvingbible.org.

IBC Career Transition Ministry Wednesdays from 6:308 p.m. Join the Career Ministry at IBC on Wednesday nights, 6:308:30 and you will: Learn how to make a rock solid resume. Learn the importance of networking to find the job. Use the Internet and LinkedIn to find jobs and network. Search to find jobs before others do. Build your confidence and ace the interview. Sure we offer all basics, but then we add in open discussion sessions and personal assistance. For more info, contact Anna Martinez at amartinez@irvingbible.org. FREE Citizenship Class Wednesdays from 6:308 p.m. Are you at least 18 years old, have been issued a Permanent Resident Card and have a desire to become a Naturalized U.S. citizen? Join us each Wednesday night. The class runs approximately twelve weeks. Well guide you through the N-400 paper work and prepare you for the main components of the new citizenship test. Class is free and study materials are provided, but students are responsible for the fees associated for N-400 application process, payable to the U.S. Naturalization Services. Students may attend the class without having to submit for the N-400. E-mail citizenship@irvingbible.org to register. ESL: English as a Second Language Wednesdays, 6:308:30 p.m. AZ14 & 15 Do you want to learn English? Do you want to improve your English? Come to ESL classes! Practice all four skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. For more info, contact Lauren Menge at esl@irvingbible.org. Visit 2435kinwest.org for a list of other activities and ways to get involved.

New Parent Orientation February 13, 9 a.m. High School Room Parents wishing to dedicate their babies may attend an orientation in the Sr. High room located in the West end of the building. The orientation is not mandatory but strongly encouraged. We will explore with you what it means to dedicate your child and answer questions about parenting issues and our childrens ministry at IBC. Stitches of Faith Tuesdays, 6:308:30 p.m. Mosaic Caf Join us as we continue to craft afghans for our military and learn a new skill or technique. Questions? Contact Wendy Vera at (214) 5332781 or e-mail msbabydragon@yahoo.com. IBC Crop Night January 7, 510 p.m. The Conference Room Join us for scrapbooking fun Friday, January 7. Bring your

pictures, albums and tools and lets crop. New to scrapbooking? Let us know and we will be happy to help get you started. Dont hesitate to join us if you are a card maker, paper crafter or digital scrapper. For more info contact Nikki Heinemann at nikkiscraps@ verizon.net. Budget Coaching Are you ready to get financially fit? Want someone to help coach you so you can take control of your finances Gods way? For more info about getting a personal budget coach, contact budgetcoaching@ irvingbible.org, or Rob and Sara Parnell at parnellsbudgetcoach@ gmail.com or (972) 3041783. Hearing Assistance Hearing Assistance is available during all three worship services. You can stop by the Journey Lounge for instructions.

Student Ministries
Sundays 6:458 p.m. 68th grade meets in The Commons

Middle/High School and College

912th grade meets in the High School Room Wednesdays Join us each Wednesday to experience The W. Bring $3 for a tasty meal and stay for fun, games and relationships. Contact mconnor@irvingbible.org. College Ministry Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. The Alcove Join the IBC College Ministry Tuesday nights at 7:30 p.m. in the Alcove (below the Mosaic Cafe at IBC). For more info, contact camillekholland@gmail.com.

The Playground January 14, 7 p.m. Palace Theatre in Grapevine

Join us for a showing of the film The Playground. This is a film to raise awareness about human trafficking and sexual exploitation in America. Directed by Libby Spears, Executive produced by George Clooney, Grant Heslov and Steven Soderbergh. For more information, contact dfwtraffick@gmail.com.
All proceeds to benefit NFNL.

We

Ministry To Women
Spring Womens Bible Study starts back January 11 See ad on pg. 12 for details. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) See ad on pg. 17 for details.

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

Miscellaneous

A Little Bit of Everything

Baby Dedications February 20 Our next baby dedication is February 20. Registration dates are January 16February 5. To register, visit registration.irvingbible.org. There are a limited number of dedications during each service, if you have a preference of service times, register early. Send photos of children being dedicated to Donna OReilly at doreilly@irvingbible.org by February 12. Hard copies are also acceptable.

2435 Kinwest

Save the Date: February 2527

Wednesday Nights at IBC

Chatter | 15

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

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

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

LOVEANDLOGIC

Parenting with love and logic - An 8 week series

on effective parenting begins Wednesday nights, January 12 until march 2 from 7 pm until 8:15 pm limited kidzone is available by registration only cost is $20 per family

Registeratparenting.irvingbible.org. Questions?ContactMichelleRobinson(mrobinson@irvingbible.org).

Are You New to IBC?

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

Newcomer Gathering is for you.

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

Do you have credit? Or does credit have you?

Take control of your finances.
Financial Peace University is a 13-week program that teaches and empowers you to make the right money decisions to achieve your financial goals and experience a total money makeover.
Wednesday evenings, 6:308:30 p.m. Starting January 19 Where: West B/D Cost: $99 lifetime fee per family. A $3 meal is available at 6 p.m. When: KidZone is available by reservation at least 48 hrs. in advance at kidzone.irvingbible.org.

For details and to register, visit www.irvingbible.org/explore. Space is limited.

Big an M y rt Pa 011 2
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TT SO MARRIO RY 18 19 F E B R U A Testosterone Classic
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Alpha is an opportunity to explore the meaning of life and the core of Christianity in a relaxed, friendly setting. Alpha is for all kinds of people the skeptics, the seekers, the spiritually curious who are searching out deep spiritual questions, clear direction for their spiritual journey, an opportunity to explore the meaning of life and a safe haven for all honest questions. Open House: Jan. 12, 6:30 p.m. in West A

Mothering preschool children is tough. Need Support? ats why we are here.

ale Body age in a M r ods Im Bearing G ale Finche

MOPS meets the third ursday of every month through May . Join us for spiritual encouragment and the opportunity to connect with other moms and mentor moms who have been there and done that. For more info or to register e-mail mops@irvingbible.org. Join us this month on January .

d Out Stan
IN MEN.IRV GBIBLE. ORG

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

HOW DO I GIVE
My Time, Talents & Skills
Vox Humana Choir We will be back in action starting February 9 and are always looking for singers to join our community. No audition required. We rehearse every Wednesday from 6:307:50 p.m. in The Alcove. For more information please contact Crystal Elwell, director, at celwell@irvingbible.org. Single Parent Ministry Ways to Give Sponsor a family or make a donation for a single parent family to attend Horn Creek Camp in June 2011. Contact Jennifer at jerlenbusch@irvingbible.org. Needed: IBC Men and Women mentors. Men mentor a boy, and women mentor a girl from a single parent family. All it takes is a little time and a big heart. Contact Marsha at mtribbett@irvingible.org. Can You Run a Camera? We need more volunteers to run cameras during the Sunday services. Contact Jeff Taylor at jtaylor@ irvingbible.org.

printers, fax machines, cell phone accessories (chargers, batteries, cases etc.), laser jet toners or any generic cartridges. To find out if your laser jet cartridge, inkjet cartridge or cell phone is recyclable, check the qualifying lists at www.fundingfactory.com. Giving to Irving Bible Church We at Irving Bible Church are so appreciative of your donations to the ministry here and around the world. We accept donations through our offering, by mail or online through the website irvingbible.org. On the website, search for online giving or go directly to give.irvingbible.org. You can make a one-time gift, or set up a recurring transaction easily. Avoid capital gains tax on stocks in your portfolio by donating the stock directly to IBC. We will be glad to provide our account info and transferring stock allows you to take a tax-deductible donation on the total amount of the stock at the date of transfer instead of selling the stock, making a donation and then paying any capital gains if the stock has increased in value. The financial department at IBC will be glad to answer any questions you might have or assist you in any way we can. Please contact Tommy Tucker at ttucker@irvingbible.org.

Second Worship Service: 10:45 a.m.

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

Third Worship Service: 5 p.m.

Childrens Classes (all ages)

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

The Point (20s singles), The Alcove Central Park (20s singles & couples), Conferance Room Legacy Builders (all welcome), Zone Jr. 7 Middle School, The Commons High School, Student Ministries Area

My Resources
Cars for Missionary Families Do you have an extra car to loan a missionary family on furlough? Contact the International Initiatives Department (dprevilon@irvingbible.org). Cartridge Recycling Reminder If you bring your cartridges to IBC to be recycled, please remember we cannot accept the following:

Sunday Community Meals

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

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

1/2 1/9

No meal Fajitas and salad bar

JOURNEY

1/16 Hamburgers, brats and salad bar 1/23 Pizza, breadsticks and dipping sauce and salad bar 1/30 Baked potatoes and fixins and salad bar
If youd like to serve on a Sunday night meal team, contact Pat OReilly at (214) 289-6176 or sundaynightmeal@irvingbible.org.

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

DEEpEN thE SOUl

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

Wednesday Midweek Meals

Each Wednesday night from 5 6:20 p.m., IBC prepares meals for anyone wanting a good, hot meal. PB&J sandwiches are also available. Cost is $3/meal or $10 max./family. Just come by The Commons, and grab a plate!

FiND RElatiONShip

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

JOiN thE MiSSiON

1/12 Ham, scalloped potatoes, mixed veggies, salad, rolls and dessert Hosted by Pat Downeys Team 1/19 Tacos, refried beans, chips, salsa and fresh baked cookies Hosted by Barbara Wittes Team 1/26 Pulled pork sandwiches, wedge fries, coleslaw, baked beans and brownies Hosted by Bob Downeys Team
Changes to the menu may be made depending on food cost and availability. If youd like to serve on a Wednesday night meal team, please e-mail bdowney@irvingbible.org.

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

Journey Lounge

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

Chatter | 18

It Came with the Building

A History of IBCs Parking Lot Art Feature

Maxim Vyetnee was born on May 2, 1930 in the

closed Soviet city of Kuybyshev, Russia, in a small flat two blocks east of the Volga River. His father was a professor of poetry and his mother had a degree in painting from M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University. Vyetnee and his family were forced into exile by the Stalinist purges of the intelligentsia in 1938, moving first to London, England, for a while before settling permanently in Albany, New York.

Vyetnee struggled as a child, displaced from his native Russia and confronted with a new culture, a new language and his familys dire economic situation. By his early teens he found an outlet for his angst in some undesirable behaviors; the most notable of which was arson. In 1944 he set a series of small brush fires that led to his eventual arrest. Vyetnee was saved from long-term incarceration by District Attorney Ernest Martin, who recognized Vyetnees precarious situation as an immigrant and saw in him great aptitude and potential. Through Martins mentorship and guidance, Vyetnee secured an apprenticeship with Web & Son Metallurgy where he learned the basics of metallurgy and welding. At Web & Son, Vyetnee was able to channel his propensity for the flame in a constructive manner while at the same time establishing the skills that would be the springboard to his second career as a prolific artist and sculptor. By the mid 1970s Vyetnee had become a professional sculptor receiving commissions from the National Endowment for the Arts, U.S. Forest Service, The Kingsford Company and the International Association of Fire Fighters, amongst others. In October 1978 he was commissioned by International Business Machines (IBM) with the directive to create something unique and ponderous, for their current and future corporate offices around the nation. By January of 1979, Vyetnee had set out on an arduous process of sketching, model making and construction. The initial mock-ups and designs that Vyetnee worked on were made from aluminum foil and pipe-cleaners, and were so numerous they filled all of the artists studio shelving, countertops, window ledges and any other available horizontal surface. (Most were destroyed in a mysterious studio fire in the early 1990s but a dozen or so escaped the blaze and occasionally come up for sale on eBay.) The result of Vyetnees artful labor was a 42 sculpture series of which IBCs parking lot sculpture (Untitled #46) is number 24. (Parts of IBCs building were originally built as a corporate data collection site for IBM in 1985.) Untitled #46 displays Vyetnees distinct abstract expressionist sculpture style. It is profoundly influenced by the concepts of cubism, the aesthetics of constructivism and psedoconstructivism, the mass of buildidgiousism and his ever smoldering love of fire. Untitled #46 falls squarely into what art critics have widely denoted as Vyetnees Stainless Period, with polished flames climbing skyward. It is hopeful, contemplative and lively. Vyetnee continues to be very active in the world of sculpture. He resides on a 250-acre farm in upstate New York where he keeps a studio, some goats and hosts a yearly artist gathering and bonfire. Josh Wiese is a designer and lives in Lake Dallas with his favorite wife Erika and son Leo. He was almost arrested after having his picture taken wearing only a Speedo in the center of Moscows Red Square.

Maxim Vyetnee, Untitled #46. 1985

Begin blatantly obvious Idle Chatter disclaimer.

WARNING: IDLE CHATTER IS A TONGUE-IN-CHEEK LOOK AT MILDLY IMPORTANT TOPICS FACING CHRISTIANITY TODAY AND POSSIBLY IN THE YEAR 2354. THIS COLUMN MAY OR MAY NOT CONTAIN TRUTHS THAT ARE PROFOUND OR PROFOUNDLY IMAGINED BY THE AUTHOR. IN OTHER WORDS, ITS FOR AMUSEMENT.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled Idle Chatter.

Dimitri Shostakovich lived in Kuybyshev during World War II and wrote his Seventh Symphony there.

Burning love: In 2002, heart-broken Terry Barton of Denver, Colo., was fined $14.6 million after setting fire to a love letter which caused a massive wildfire, burning 138,000 acres and destroyed more than 100 homes.

Chatter | 19

James Jackson White, son of Darren and Leanne White, catches up on his Chatter reading somewhere over the hill and partly through the woods on the way to Grammys in Houston.

Chatteryou 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 chatter@irvingbible.org.