APRIL 2015

Our team poured their hearts out during our Bible studies and circle
times. They spoke into each others lives: adult to student, and student to
adult. I witnessed intergenerational mission at its best.

Matt Hamilton, IBC High School Pastor

WHY ARE WE HERE?

IBC is a community that exists

because we believe Jesus Christ
transforms lives. We want to be fully
alive as followers of Jesus, and we
hope youll join us on this journey.

HOW DO WE DO THIS?
GROWING IN CHRIST At the
heart of our journey is the gospel of
Jesus. We trust Christ as our Savior
and find ourselves becoming more
like him as we deepen our relationship with him.
CONNECTING IN COMMUNITY

The way of following Jesus is not a

path we walk alone. The gospel story
draws us into a community of people
whose lives are being transformed
by Jesus.

JOINING THE MISSION Followers

Next Gen mission trip to Honduras.

of Jesus arent just saved, theyre also

sent. Believers become witnesses to
the grace of God as they take part in
his mission to rescue and redeem the
lost and broken.
For more about growing in Christ,
connecting in community, and joining the mission at IBC, please contact
[email protected].
CONTACT IBC
2435 Kinwest Pkwy
Irving, TX 75063
(972) 560-4600

irvingbible.org
irvingbible
TWITTER @ibcvoice
ELETTER irvingbible.org/eletter
WEB

FACEBOOK

New to IBC? Turn to page 18.

Savannah Ghormley, Katie and Rachel

Arrington, Makenna Harrell and Elana
Ebensberger camping with their dads
at Lake Ray Roberts.

SPRING BREAK &

NEXT GEN TRIP

IBCers frolicked near and

far last month during spring
break. A highlight was the
IBC trip to Honduras where a
team made up of 9 high school
students and 16 adults served
in a medical clinic in the small
village of El Rosario. The team
also served in two different
schools.

a letter from Chatter

Chatter is
Editor Julie Rhodes
Art Direction, Design & Goodness
Josh Wiese, Lindsey Sobolik, JD Lemming
Admin Extraordinaire
Victoria Andrews
Pastor to Hashtags
Scott McClellan, Communications Pastor
Photography
Charles Stafford (Find Your Spot)*
Katherine Ivey (Propel)*
Writers
Andy McQuitty (Much More)**
Jason Fox (Idle Chatter)*
Jason Stein (The Table)**
Jason Elwell (The Lords Prayer)**
Jodie Niznik (Next Steps)**
Editorial Assistance/Proofing
Summer Alexander*, Annie Stone*
Thoughts, comments, ideas?
Contact Chatter at [email protected].
Need Chatter Digitally?
Chatter is on the web at
irvingbible.org/chatter.
Are you a media socialite?
Like Chatter on Facebook. Its so likeable.
*Most beloved and indispensable
Chatter Volunteer.
**Most beloved and indispensable
IBC staff member.

LAST WEEK, I HEARD A FRIEND SAY THAT GOD ISNT AFRAID OF US. That was so interesting to

me. I thought about it for a whole week. God isnt afraid. Of us.
I, for one, am very afraid of us. I see a future ablaze
with fire, a world melting into the pit; both in Nigeria and Iraq but also in my own brain and family.
There is so much that scares me about who I might
(or might not) become, so much that militates
against hope and peace and life, that if I sit and
ponder what COULD happen, where we COULD
all end up in a year or two, I really might stop
breathing. And if just one little mother is hanging
in the balance over here in my sticky kitchen, my
hunch is a lot of the rest of us are, too. The good
ones of us, the upstanding citizen ones of us, the
down-and-outs, the good-for-nothings, the evilestevils. Were all scary.
But God is not afraid.
Jesus was notoriously engaged with unstable,
dangerous people during his ministry. People were
afraid of Jesus because of the company he kept.
Tax collectors, Samaritans, prostitutes, adulterers, Roman guards, Gentiles, women all of these
odd ducks and ugly ducklings featured heavily on
Jesus social and ministry calendar. Long ago, they
had circled the wagons around their own kind.
Then suddenly, their wall was breached. A bold
person was standing there before them, smiling,
full of good things to say about their futures.

Even for me.

For even the worst of us, God will make a way. For
even the most awkward or unfathomable, God will
make a way. Hes the first responder to the bomb
threat of our life. The call is in; he approaches the
detonator, knows just what wires to cut. His eye is
unflinching, his hand deft and sure. He knows the
jumble of white, yellow and blue. He makes us safe
again, sets us free to play on swing-sets and slides.
Do you believe this is possible? For a member of
ISIS? For your boss? For you?
Grace isnt a deserved commodity in any conceivable economy. Grace is about who Jesus is, not
about who we are. Its about his skill set, his expertise, his initiative. He will have mercy on whom he
will have mercy. And the history of Gods mercy in
Scripture is unexpected and unpredictable; paths
springing up in out-of-the-way places for people
Id have written off.
So lets not be afraid. If God isnt afraid, if hes making a way, for us and for THEM and for everyone
else, lets just all settle down. Lets sit with him a
while.

It reminds me of the fabulous old Don Moen

refrain:
God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way.
He works in ways we cannot see;
He will make a way for me.

C HAT TE R FA C T I CON K EY
CULTURE

LANGUAGE

FOOD

LIFE

GENERAL

SCIENCE

GEOGRAPHY

TOMFOOLERY

HISTORY
Don Moen might be related to the
inventor of the single-handle faucet.
Thats just a guess.

Chatter | 3

Much More
Than Nothing Else
W

hen ancient mariners made their

maps, they included
only what they could
SEE and EXPERIENCE as they
sailed unknown seas. Thats why
some ancient European maps bear
the Latin words Ne plus ultra (not
anything more) beyond the Straits
of Gibraltar at the edge of the
Atlantic. They were the ultimate
empiricists. If I cant see it or eat
it, I dont believe it! Beyond what is
scientifically provable or experientially knowable, there is NOTHING
ELSE! Ne plus ultra.
This Easter we declare that Christianity parts ways with the Ne plus
ultra philosophy.

life is more than what

science can explain. We
normally see only
the natural.
Imagine the disciples bewilderment that early Easter morning:
Early on the rst day of the week,
while it was still dark, Mary
Magdalene went to the tomb
and saw that the stone had been
removed from the entrance. So
she came running to Simon Peter
and the other disciple, the one
Jesus loved, and said, They have
taken the Lord out of the tomb,
and we dont know where they
have put him! (John 20:1-2)
What do you think Jesus first
words were after he rose from the
dead? I think they were, Where IS

Chatter | 4

Leif Erikson (970-1020) was the first European to reach

North America more than 500 years before Columbus.
His beard, however, is still having a moment.

everybody?! Multiple times hed

told the disciples of his impending
death and resurrection, yet no one
believed him. If Jesus body was
gone, it must have been taken, not
resurrected. Jesus had issued his
followers a gold-embossed invitation to an event greater than an
inaugural ball, and nobody RSVPd!
Why? Ne plus ultra. Even the disciples were empiricists at heart.

But the resurrection

means that life is
also supernatural.
Much of life is explained by science, but not ALL of it. This is what
the Scriptures tell us. That Christ,
three days dead, was raised, bodily,
not just symbolically, from the dead.
This is not a scientifically repeatable, logically empirical event. It is
a miracle, which, by definition, is
not scientifically explainable; yet
neither is it irrational, and those
who deny it have a hard time trying
to explain it away.
Some say the Jewish authorities
got Jesus body. But why didnt they
produce it when Jesus disciples
claimed hed risen? Some say that
all those who saw the resurrected
Jesus hallucinated. But over 500 at
once? Some say the women went to
the wrong tomb. But did everyone
else for the rest of history also go to
the wrong tomb? Some say Christ
never died. Why then did those
experts in making people dead, the
Roman soldiers, pronounce him
dead at the scene? Some say the disciples stole the body. But how do we

Pert Plus means Not anything more

than (very) basic hair care.

explain their willingness later to die as martyrs for preaching a resurrection

they knew was false? Jesus resurrection was not a private event in history.
Jewish revolutionaries whose leader had been executed and who managed
to escape arrest themselves had two options: give up the revolution, or find
another leader. Claiming that the original leader was alive again was simply
not an option. Unless, of course, he was!
We normally see only the natural. But Jesus resurrection was a miracle. We
must not diminish it.

LIFE IS MORE THAN WHAT EXPERIENCE CAN PREDICT.

We normally experience disillusionment.
Take the apostle Peter:
So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the
other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb rst (John 20:3-4).
Peter had had the worst week of his life, and now this day was getting started
all wrong. While it was still dark, Mary had rousted him and John out of bed
with some wild tale about Jesus body being snatched. As he and John ran
to the tomb, Peter was further irritated when the younger man pulled away
and left him in the dust. He thought, Who does this guy think he is,
DeMarco Murray?

John doesnt record what passed between him and Peter as they made their
way home. But later, Peter shares what was going through his mind: We have
been born again into a life full of hope through Christs rising from the dead
(1 Peter 1:3).
What hope meant for Peter was that Jesus is who he said he was, the Son of
God, the coming king, the Lord of the universe. In following this risen Master,
Peter knew he would find joy in this life and even in death resurrection.

Life is much more than nothing else!

This Easter Sunday is a good day to dust off the map of your life. Does it
read, Ne plus ultra? Is there nothing more to your life than what you see
and experience?
For centuries, Europeans thought the Atlantic Ocean was the edge of the
world. Then Columbus sailed. People waited expectantly. After a long time he
reappeared, announcing to exultant crowds that there was a land beyond the
sea, rich beyond their dreams. At that time, the king of Spain changed Spains
motto from Ne Plus Ultra to just, Plus Ultra, There is more beyond. The
charts changed. And the world. And humanity.
For many centuries, people stood beside the dark hole that we call a grave and
watched the remains of their loved ones lowered into the earth, and they wondered: is only the natural true? Is life finite and therefore meaningless?

But Peters real problem wasnt fatigue. It was disillusionment. For three years,
Peter had believed that Jesus would someday rule the world with justice and
liberty for all. And hed counted on Jesus promise of eternal life when he died.
Now they crucified Jesus and Peter had denied him three times. So now hes
jogging in the dark, angry and depressed. Why? Shame at letting Jesus down?
Yes. But more. Frustration at life letting him down. As he wheezed along that
lonely path to Jesus tomb, Peter suspected that disappointment was all life
would ever hold for him. Ne plus ultra.

Then a young explorer sailed off the edge of the world by way of a cross and
landed in a tomb. People waited expectantly. Finally on Resurrection morning, as the sun rose in the east, the Son of God stepped out of the grave and
declared, There is more beyond! There is a paradise beyond your greatest
expectations. And there awaits a heavenly Father with outstretched arms to
wipe away every tear from your eyes.

Maybe thats you today. You agree with the bumper sticker that says, Were
born naked, wet, & hungry. Then things get worse. Youve sought happiness
in marriage only to suffer through divorce or continual conflict. Youve sought
meaning in money only to find that you dont own what you accumulate, it
owns you. In short, maybe youve come to where Peter came and most other
people do too if they live long enough: disillusionment.

Andy McQuitty believes that hot buttered popcorn and Blue Bell white chocolate
almond ice cream are among Gods greatest creations.

Plus Ultra!

Andy is IBCs senior pastor and elder board member.

But the resurrection means theres purpose even

through pain.
Then Simon Peter arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of
linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus head.
The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen John 20: 6-7.
Peter saw a lot when he looked in that tomb, and not just the linen strips and
empty burial cloth. He saw a miracle had occurred, which meant that Jesus
was alive, which meant that all Jesus had said was true, which meant that the
dream still was alive, which meant that life has purpose even through pain.

Philadelphia Eagles running

back DeMarco Murray can run
the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds.

Having faith is rational, not fanciful.

Well show you why. Check out The Big
Questions: A Conference on Life and Faith,
coming up May 89. See ad, pg. 17.

Chatter | 5

I feel closest to
God when I sing
to him on Sunday. Im glad Miss
Sarah teaches us
new songs.

When Mr. Darren

gets up to talk to the
big group, I always
laugh. But I learn
something, too.
Sunday Storytellers
Needed: 1-2

Worship Leaders
needed: 3

Mrs. Alison gives

me a high-five every
week when I come
in. She makes me feel
cool, like I belong
with everybody else.
Elementary Small Group
Leaders needed: 6

Kids connect with God in different ways. Some find him in a

story, in a song, in the warm arms of someone safe. Thats why
theres always a place for you with kids. You have something
special to offer, a way only you can make kids feel close to God.
To find your spot visit irvingbible.org/findyourspot today.
Dont miss your chance.

Chatter | 6

The Beverly Hills,

90210 gangs favorite
spot was The Peach Pit.

Mrs. Karen smiled at

me when my family
walked into church.
I felt warm inside,
and not as scared.
Welcome/check-in
Team members needed: 6

Audrey is SO much
fun. It makes me feel
special that a high
school girl wants to
spend time with me.
Classroom youth
leaders needed: 6

OTHER SPOTS
Nursery Classroom
leaders 10
Zone 6:30 Leaders 12
My Zone Leaders 5
Mr. Geoff taught me
about how God made the
world and how he made
me. And how to make
animal-crackers ROAR.
Preschool Classroom
leaders needed: 7

I like seeing kids just

a little older than me
sing and dance for
God. Maybe Ill be like
Jason someday, too.

Tech Leaders 12

Tech Youth Leaders 12
Resource Volunteers 12
VBS volunteers 250
Special Events
coordinators 5

Nursery Coaches 2


Youth Worship
Leaders needed: 10

Preschool Coaches 1 2
Elementary Coaches 1 0

It takes a minimum of 280

volunteers on a Sunday to
serve IBCs children.

Chatter | 7

THE LORDS PRAYER: AN INTERPRETATION

By Jason Elwell, IBC Worship Pastor

Our
Liberating
King,
May your reputation for holiness
be known from the highest mountain
to the depths of the sea.
Bring Heaven to Earth,
do away with injustice
and establish your righteous reign
once and for all.
Order our desires aright
so that all of our cravings
find satisfaction in you.
And as we grow into this new life,
help us to extend the same weightless existence
to others that we ourselves have come to enjoy,
the forgiveness of our sins.
In our times of testing,
may our worship sustain us
and lead us in the way everlasting.
To all rulers and authorities
in Heaven and on Earth,
Jesus is King forever.
Amen.

Chatter will be asking several pastors and IBC

family members to write The Lord's Prayer in
their own words. To submit yours, send it to
[email protected].

Chatter | 8

In The Lords Prayer, Presbyterian and other Reformed churches tend to

use debts ...debtors. Roman Catholics, Anglicans and Methodists are
more likely to say trespasses ... those who trespass against us.

Next Steps:

BOLD OBEDIENCE
Chatter asked IBC pastors to weigh in on their next steps for
the year personally, spiritually, or ministry-wise. Heres Jodie.

At

the end of every year I spend some time with God reflecting back
and dreaming forward. I ask him where he wants me to focus and
grow in the coming year. Essentially, Im asking him what he wants
my next steps to be.

Last year I felt the Lord invited me to take a pretty fun next step. I believe he asked
me to develop the gifts he had given me. For me this meant intentionally leaning into teaching and writing. It meant saying yes more. It also meant taking
an improv class in Dallas as a fun way to develop my ability to think on my feet. I
even got to perform in an improv showcase. This turned out to be super fun (and
super top-secret much to the chagrin of the rest of the pastoral staff who wanted
blackmail fodder).

This year may not be as much fun. I believe the Lord is inviting me to take a next
step that centers around two words: bold obedience. You may wonder how I came
up with these two words. Its a great question. For me it happened through a series
of repetitions it seemed every blog, interaction, conversation, and Scripture
involved some form of the words bold and obedience. And as I prayed, God
confirmed that this sacred echo was for me.
The problem is, Im not exactly sure what hes asking me to do that is boldly obedient and that feels really scary.
(I also found myself wondering if perhaps God made a mistake and overlooked
my promising improv career. I mean, Level 2 improv would be a great next step.
And pretty bold, dont you think? Ok,
ok maybe promising and career
shouldnt be used to describe my improv
skills.)
As you can tell, Im a little nervous about
these two words. Without clear direction,
they feel jump-off-a-cliff scary to me.
And they bring up lots of questions like:
What if I get Gods call to obedience
wrong and I make a huge mess?
What if I hesitate too long and I miss out?

What if I just dont want to do what Gods asking because its uncomfortable, scary,
embarrassing, foolish, out of my comfort zone, or could be misinterpreted?
What if?
But then I paused and made myself remember a few things I know to be true:
God has never let me down. I mean never!
God has never led me astray.
God is always good even when it looks messy and confusing to me.
God wants what is best for me.
God will not play games with me. He will make his will known. I just need to be
ready and receptive.
Its so good to remember what is true. We follow a good, amazing and mighty God.
And heres another truth: Jesus led the way in the bold obedience department. He
was obedient to death and a horrific, humiliating one at that. But his obedience
was a world-changing, peace-bringing, soul-saving obedience. And you and I get
the benefits of his sacrificial act. When I consider this truth, I wonder how I could
be anything but boldly obedient?
So, Ive accepted his invitation to my next step of bold obedience. Im still a little
nervous, but Im officially committing to take the risk. (And since Im doing it in
writing and in public, my stomach just did a little flip-flop not kidding!)
Id love it if you joined me on this next step journey. Wouldnt it be amazing if
we, the people of IBC, were characterized as a church that is boldly obedient to
the Lord?

When Jodie Nizniks improv group found out she was a pastor, one of them said,
Its like youre undercover boss!
Jodie is IBCs Pastor to Women.

What if I just dont hear God right?

Improv began with the Italian form of theater

Commedia dellarte, or comedy of craft.

Chatter | 9

If you or someone you

know is in crisis, now is
the time for rescue. At
Recovery at IBC, were
real people learning to
apply the 12 steps in our
lives to alleviate emotional pain, stress, and
control. Whether your
issue is alcohol, anger,
or anything in between,
Recovery is here to help.
More info:
irvingbible.org/recovery

Chatter | 10

IVE ALWAYS BEEN CURIOUS.

I love asking and reflecting on
good questions, so much so that
some might say Im a little weird.
But I think there is something
innate in every human we are
made to be curious and to ask
questions. Take children for example. Every parent with a toddler is asked Why mommy?
or What is that daddy? a minimum of 10,000 times a day. As
we grow up, we never stop asking questions about our world
and ourselves. The questions just
change over time. We are made
to be curious.

The Key Question

What is the most-often asked question at The Table?

There are a few fundamental

questions and curiosities
that all people ask, questions
like: Is there meaning and
purpose in life? Where did
we come from? Why does
evil and suffering happen?
Does God exist and is there
an afterlife? Is religion true?
And so many more.

Every world religion has

attempted to answer these
questions, including Christianity. In the fall of 2013, IBC
launched a ministry called
The Table. Its a place where
skeptics and Christians alike
can pull up a chair around a table to explore God, the Christian faith, and
the hard questions of life. It is a class designed to explore those fundamental human questions, and to help attendees in their journey toward God.
One of the key questions that everyone wrestles with at some point during
the class is the reality of evil and suffering. In fact, many people come to
The Table because they are curious about this specific question. They are
asking, how can a good and loving God, which Christianity affirms, allow
such evil and suffering to take place in our world, our community, and our
lives? At the heart of that question is a myriad of other important questions that Table attendees end up asking. During one of The Table classes,
I remember one woman saying, Every time I turn on the TV, I see so much
evil. How can God be okay with that? Others have asked, Where was God
when I lost my job? Or What is Gods plan in this? These are complex
and complicated issues, and also heartfelt.
There are two responses we can have when faced with these difficult questions: (1) ignore the questions and hope they go away; (2) courageously
face the questions and press into them. Scripture is full of men and
women, like David, Job, and Hannah, who had difficult questions, and who
believed in a God who could handle their doubts and questions.

Out of suffering have emerged the

strongest souls. Khalil Gibran

Christianity also offers a unique answer to the issue of suffering. As Christians, we believe in a God who willingly suffered on the cross for us. The
God of Christianity is not detached from suffering or evil in the world. He
loves us and cares for us so much that he willingly entered into suffering
on our behalf.
This answer doesnt fully solve all the questions people ask regarding evil
and suffering, but many people, both Christians and skeptics, have left The
Table with a better understanding of Christianity and a God who loves
them. Christians have left The Table saying they have more confidence in
their faith, and skeptics or those unsure of Christianity have left saying
they have clearer picture of who God is and what Christianity is about.
If youre curious, I encourage you to attend The Table starting April 12.
During this 5-week experience, you will have the chance to explore Christianity, the issue of God and suffering, as well as several other questions,
with others on a similar journey. You can also attend the Big Questions
Conference here at IBC on May 8 and 9. It is designed to address and
answer the fundamental questions we all ask. In the meantime, if youd
like to further investigate some of these questions, I encourage you to read
Tim Kellers book The Reason for God or Pastor Andys new book Notes
from the Valley, particularly for the issue of cancer and suffering.
I hope youll pull up a chair and join the conversation.

Jason Stein wants a table made from reclaimed bowling alley boards.
Jason is a part of Pastoral Staff at IBC and works closely with our IBC Teaching Team on sermon
and series development. He also works with Men at IBC.

Class Dates: April 12 May 17 at

10:45 a.m. (Sunday mornings) in
the Living Room
The Table is a place where your
questions and doubts are invited
and welcomed.

Register: irvingbible.org/thetable
or at the kiosk in the Town Square
on Sundays.

Chatter | 11

S
R
E
T
S
U
B
H
T
Y

MYTH 1

MYTH 2

Propel is about learning a bunch of boring

facts about the church in order to
become members.

Propel is set up to get me plugged in as

a volunteer and wont take my gifts or
passions into consideration.

Propel is not boring

at all. It is a great
foundation for
learning what it
means to be a part
of the church, and
a place to share stories about
yourself and where you are in life.
The most important thing is how
Propel opens doors for you to help
others and be more than just a
seat-warmer in church. One thing I
personally liked were the activities
we did that made us ask about each
others jobs and how we can use
them to bring God into the world.

Um, no. You drive

the bus. You focus
your efforts in the
class towards
where God leads
you through prayer.
One thing I learned was that just
because I am good at one thing,
doesnt mean I shouldnt look
outside of my day-to-day self and
consider serving in other ways. But
the biggest thing I learned about
volunteering? That maybe a person
isnt ready to volunteer yet, and
thats OK. Maybe you need to heal
first. You may need to receive before
youre ready to give. The support
groups and healing resources are all
available for you to learn about in
Propel, too.

- David Chavez

MYTH 5

I already know what my next step at IBC

needs to be. I dont need help.

I have been a
Christian for over
40 years and I was
certain what I was
planning to do at
IBC. However, I am
so thankful that I didnt overlook
this encouragingprogram. On my
own, I might have waited a long time
to take my next step to get involved,
which would have been a mistake.
- Barbara Pierce

- Ginger Lehrfeld

MYTH 6

Im not ready to meet and connect with

a bunch of new people right now. I like
blending in.
In the past I had too
many reasons not
to get plugged in
with other churches. I never made
friends or connections. I wasnt ready! But nowI am
ready. Propel gets you engaged, but at
your comfort level. It is reaffirming of
the need for fellowship and being
able to spot a friendly face in the
crowd. Look at it this way: youre
going to have a need some day.
Wouldnt it be better to already have
someone to turn to? My only regret is
not doing Propel sooner.

New to IBC? Looking to nd your place at IBC? In a new stage or

phase in your life? Been here forever but can't seem to gure out
what it's all about and how you t into the larger picture? Propel is
designed to help you gure out how to best plug into IBCs culture
and calling. Weve asked some current Propel attenders to break
open some common Propel myths that might have been holding you
back. Until now.

MYTH 3

I have all the information about the ministries available at IBC. I dont need Propel
to help me with that.

Ive been a volunteer at previous

churches and each
of them had a lot of
options. When I
joined IBC, I
mostly wanted to learn how to get
plugged in to my usual areas. But
Propel was shocking. None of my
previous churches one a wellknown mega-televised church had
as many ministries as IBC! Even
more shocking was the number of
options of service within each
ministry. I signed up for my usual,
but my husband was excited to find a
spot meant for him.

MYTH 4

Propel will take too much of my time.

When I started
Propel, I assumed I
would have at least
one Sunday when I
couldnt make it for
whatever reason.
But, to my pleasant surprise, Propel
didnt feel like it took too much time
at all. The classes were informal and
interactive, and the 90 minutes flew
by each time. Going to Propel felt
seamless; I looked at it as a different
form of church attendance.

- Jessica Perry

Want To Find Your

Place at IBC?

Come find out what it means to grow in Christ, connect in community, and join the mission and what that might mean for you
specifically at IBC.
All are welcome, age 18 and up. Propel is a comfortable
small-group environment.
Sundays, April 26May 17 at 10:45 a.m. in West A
Register: irvingbible.org/connect
Bonus: free breakfast!
Questions? Contact Sherri at [email protected].

- Peter Lehrfeld

Chatter | 12

- Amy Herrin

As a child, Mythbusters host Adam

Savage voiced animated characters that his
father produced for Sesame Street.

EASTER PATH

A free, multi-sensory journey through the Easter story.

Designed for all ages.

GET EGGCITED.

Its that time of year again.

tuesday, March 31: 129 p.m.

wednesdayfriday, April 13: 9 a.m. 9 p.m.
saturday, April 4: 911:30 a.m.
Experience the life-changing story of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus in an accessible,
unforgettable way. Through ten multi-sensory stations, you will follow the story of the last days of
Jesus and experience the true meaning of Easter
our risen Saviors victory over death!

IBC EASTER EGGSPERIENCE

Saturday, April 4, 9 a.m. 12 p.m.

A free family-friendly Easter celebration!

Volunteers needed for breakdown

(Saturday, April 4).

Bounce houses, petting zoos, carnival games, egg hunt and more! The
Eggsperience is open to everyone, but it is designed for families with
children 2nd grade and below. The event is free, but please bring 12 plastic
candy-filled eggs per child for the egg hunt.

Contact Melody at [email protected] for more info

or to volunteer.

Contact Melody at [email protected] for more info or to volunteer.

EASTER WEEK AT IBC

At a Glance

TUESDAY
march 31
Easter Path open, 129 p.m.
Araucana and
Ameraucana chickens lay eggs
WEDNE
SDAY
with a variety
april
1 of blue tints.
Easter Path open, 9 a.m.9 p.m.

MAUNDY THURSDAY
april 2
Service at 7 p.m. in the
IBC Commons

GOOD FRIDAY
april 3
Service at 7 p.m. in the
Worship Center

HOLY SATURDAY
april 4
The Chapel open for prayer,
8 a.m.5 p.m.

EASTER SUNDAY
april 5
Worship services at 8 a.m.,
9:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m.; 5 p.m.

KidZone available for newborns

through 3-year-olds by
online reservation.

Easter Eggsperience,
open 9 a.m.12 p.m.

Regular Children's Ministry for

newborns through 5th grade available
at all four services.

Easter Path open, 9 a.m.9 p.m.

Easter Path,
open 911:30 a.m.
No KidZone available.

KidZone available for newborns

through 3-year-olds by
online reservation.

If you are an IBCer, the Children's

Ministry would ask that you consider
serving with your family for the 8 a.m.
or 9:30 a.m. service.
Please email [email protected]
for more information.

Easter Path open, 9 a.m.9 p.m

Araucana and Ameraucana

chickens lay eggs with a variety
of blue tints.

Chatter | 13

UPC O M I N G

April
APRIL 4

APRIL 16

APRIL 24-25

Easter Eggsperience 9 a.m.12 p.m.

Newcomer Gathering 7 p.m.

The Zone

Great Days of Service

See ad, pg. 16.

dents in need with home repairs two different week-

See ad, pg. 13.

IBC is joining other churches to serve Irving resiends in April. Many opportunities are available from

APRIL 5
Easter Sunday Services

painting to delivering lunch to volunteers. Contact

APRIL 17-18

Glen at [email protected].

See ad, pg. 13.

Great Days of Service

VBS 2015 Registration Open

dents in need with home repairs two different week-

Registration for Everest: VBS 2015 is now open. Visit

ends in April. Many opportunities are available from

irvingbible.org/vbs.

painting to delivering lunch to volunteers. Contact

Drawing Near to God Through Prayer

Class 9 a.m. The Training Center

Glen at [email protected].

See ad, pg. 16.

IBC is joining other churches to serve Irving resi-

APRIL 10
WINGS Luncheon

APRIL 18

Kevin Costner. Contact Tricia at [email protected] for more info.

Join us for our Neon Disco Dance Party for kids in

single-parent families. More info and registration at

Baby Dedication Registration Open

Guy Stuff Grilling Event

9:30 a.m.1 p.m. West A
Join boys from single-parent families and learn how
to cook and grill. Contact Marsha at mtribbett@

Kids Night Out 69 p.m.

The Zone

New Friends New Life annual fundraiser featuring

APRIL 25

irvingbible.org/singleparents.

irvingbible.org for more info.

APRIL 26

Registration for the May 3 Baby Dedications is open.

Baby Dedication orientation is April 26. Visit irving-

Propel 10:45 a.m. The Alcove

bible.org/babydedications.

Class will be in Alcove for the first week, then West A

APRIL 12

APRIL 20

for the following three weeks. See ad, pg. 10.

May

NICHE Meeting 7 p.m.

Join NICHE (North Irving Christian Home Educators) for their monthly meeting. Contact board@

The Table 10:45 a.m.

texasniche.com.

See ad below.

APRIL 14
Freedom with Eating Small Group
9:30 a.m. or 6:30 p.m.
The Conference Room

APRIL 24

MAY 7
National Day of Prayer 7 p.m.
The Chapel
See ad, pg. 16.

Father/Son Canoe Trip

See ad, pg. 16.

MAY 89

For those who struggle with food and body image

The Big Questions: A Conference

on Life and Faith

and want to understand Gods design for food and

your body. More info at irvingbible.org/women.

See ad, pg. 17.

Chatter | 8

VBS registration is open!

Cost: $20 before June 1; $30 June 1 and later.

Family discounts and scholarships available.

This summer, kids will go on an exciting, icy expedition to the slopes of Mount Everest where
theyll discover they can conquer challenges
with Gods mighty power! Kids will be anchored in rock-solid truths that will guide them
through lifes hard times.

Volunteer info: Ready to embrace the expedition challenge? Cool. We have a place on the
team for you! (Cant volunteer during the day?
Prefer to work in a kid-free area? No problem,
we got you covered.)

Register: irvingbible.org/vbs
(registration opens Easter Sunday!)

Questions? Contact Melody, [email protected].

ON G OI N G

BIBLE COMMUNITIES

Groups on Sunday

Synergy

9 a.m. The Alcove

Multi-generational

The Tree

9 a.m. West D
20s & 30s, married & young families

Crossroads

10:45 a.m. West C

Couples & Families late 20s to 40s

Journey

10:45 a.m. The Alcove

All Welcome

On Track

10:45 a.m. Conference Room

Single Parents

Thrive

10:45 a.m. West D

Singles in their 30s & 40s

MEALS

Family Grace Group

Monday nights, 6:30 p.m. West A

For families/caregivers of those with
mental illness. Contact Buzz Moody at
[email protected].

NAMI Family-to-Family Class

Mondays, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

West C/D
Contact Joey at [email protected] or
Debra at [email protected].

Stephen Ministry at IBC

One-on-one ministry for hurting

people. Contact stephenministry@
irvingbible.org or call (972) 560-4636.

Spousal Abuse Recovery

Contact [email protected].

GriefShare Thursdays

Join a caring group of people to walk

alongside you through one of lifes most
difficult experiences. Contact Sharon at
[email protected].

Legacy Builders

6:45 p.m. West A All Welcome

CHILDREN

Infants Through 5th Grade

MyZone

Wednesdays, 6:308:15 p.m.

The Zone K-5th grade
Activities, friends, conversations, and
slime. No registration required.

Sit with us on Sunday!

9 a.m. service, lowest right-hand section,

Rows 5 & 6, facing the stage. Visit irvingbible.org/singleparents.

SPECIAL NEEDS
Community & Care

Small Group for Moms

Marriage at IBC

Currently in session. Contact

[email protected].

Pre-Marriage Mentoring

Visit irvingbible.org/marriage.

SUNDAY
COMMUNITY MEALS
6 P.M.
Meals are $3 per person or
$10 max./family.

4/5

NO MEAL!
Happy Easter!

4/12

Fajita Madness, salad bar.

4/19

Burgers and brats, salad bar

4/26

Massive baked potatoes with

all the fixins, salad bar.

Sundays, 10:45 a.m.12 p.m.

In His Image Bible Study

Sundays, 6:307:45 p.m

Small Group for Parents

If youd like to serve on a Sunday

night meal team, contact Pat OReilly
at (214) 289-6176 or [email protected].

Wednesdays, 6:308:15 p.m.

SonShine Pals and Room

Care during Sunday ministry.

MARRIAGE

Growing Together

STUDENTS

Middle/High School and College

WEDNESDAY
MIDWEEK MEALS
56:20 P.M.
Cost is $3/meal or $10 max./
family. PB&J sandwiches are
also available.

Middle School Sundays

Life on Life Sundays

10:30 a.m.12:20 p.m.
Student Ministries area

4/1

Chopped beef sandwiches,

cole slaw, baked beans,
french fries, pickle spears,
dessert. Hosted by Marlene
Brittons team.

4/8

Sundays, 3:30 p.m.

The Commons Annex
Contact [email protected].

Honey baked ham, scalloped potatoes, mixed veggies, salad, dessert. Hosted by
Pat Downeys team.

4/15

Enchiladas, tacos, refried

beans, chips and salsa, homebaked cookies. Hosted by
Barbara Wittes team.

2435 KINWEST

4/22

Hamburgers with all the fixings, baked beans, fries,

brownies. Hosted by Bob
Downeys team.

4/22

Baked potatoes, chili, salad,

dessert. Hosted by Lavern
Howells team.

High School Sundays

Childrens Sunday Services

9 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 5 p.m.

Community and Resources

Contact [email protected].

Renew

10:45 a.m. Training Center

All Welcome

SINGLE PARENT

MEN

Community and Resources

First Watch

Fridays, 6:22 a.m. The Commons

Contact Nat at [email protected].

Life Groups Sundays, 6:458 p.m.

Student Ministries area

IBC College Ministry

First Watch Replay

FAITH & BELIEF

Events and Resources

The Table

The Table will begin April 12. More info

at irvingbible.org/thetable.

Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.

Training Center
Contact [email protected].

First Watch Xtra

Wednesday, 6:30 a.m.

Training Center
Contact [email protected].
Visit irvingbible.org/men.

HOPE & HEALING

Community Care

Abortion Recovery Counseling

Contact Kym at (972) 560-4632 or
[email protected].

Recovery at IBC

Thursdays, 6:308:30 p.m.

West Wing Youth Lounge
A group for hurts, habits, and hangups.
irvingbible.org/recovery.

MISSION

Local and Global

The Living Grace Group

Monday nights, 6:30 p.m.

West B, bi-weekly.
For those with mental illness. Contact
Heath at [email protected].

IBC Choir

Wednesdays, 78:30 p.m.

IBC Worship Center
Contact Crystal at celwell@irvingbible.
org for more info.

Next Gen Choir

Changes to the menu may be made

depending on food cost, availability,
and Bob Downeys whim.

ESL: English as a
Second Language

If youd like to serve on a Wednesday

night meal team, please email
[email protected].

Contact Crystal at celwell@irvingbible.

org for more info.

Prayer Meeting

Wednesdays, 6:308:30 p.m.

AZ17, 18 and 19

Laundry Love

Wednesdays, 6:308 p.m.

IBC Conference Room

2nd and 4th Wednesdays

6:45-8 p.m. The Chapel
First Saturday of the month
9 a.m.12 p.m.
Contact [email protected].

Shelter from the Storm

Sexual abuse support group. Contact

[email protected] or
(214) 725-0898

Wednesday Nights at IBC

FREE Citizenship Class

IBC Career Transition Ministry

Wednesdays, 6:308 p.m.

Visit 2435kinwest.org.

YOUNG ADULTS
Events and Resources

The Gathering Thursdays, 7 p.m.

Join other young adults for a time of

teaching and community. More info at
irvingbible.org/youngadults.

Hey, remember that time I played X-Box

all weekend and you were on your iPad?

Said no kid to his father, ever.

New here?
THEN YOURE INVITED. Join us at the

The 2015

Father-son
Canoe Trip

April 2426 | Lower Mountain Fork River

Broken Bow, OKlahoma
Join other IBC dads and sons for an unforgettable weekend away
at Lower Mountain Fork in Broken Bow, OK, featuring a powerful father/son affirmation ceremony around the campfire the final night.
FATHERS $75 SONS (under 12) $50
Contact Kym at [email protected]
irvingbible.org/men

Newcomer Gathering, an event designed to help you learn more about

who we are and how to get plugged in.
Meet church leadership, ask questions,
and get to know other newcomers in a
relaxed, informal environment.

WHEN April 16
TIME 6:308 p.m. (dessert included)
LOCATION The Zone (upstairs at IBC)
REGISTER irvingbible.org/connect
Questions? Contact Sherri Sharp at [email protected] or (972) 5604614.

Drawing Near to God

Through Prayer
Prayer is one of the central avenues of our transformation as
we learn to entrust God with all we are and all we have. If you
desire to deepen your prayer life, remove obstacles to prayer,
or learn new ways to pray as you grow closer to God, then consider participating in Drawing Near to God Through Prayer.
When: April 25, 9 a.m. 12 p.m.
Where: The Training Center
More info: irvingbible.org/explore

National Day
of Prayer
Thursday, May 7, 7 p.m.

Join fellow IBCers for a National Day of Prayer event at

IBC on May 7 at 7 p.m. in the Chapel. It will be a time to
come together and pray for our leaders and nation.
Questions? Contact Jason Stein at [email protected].

THE BIG
QUESTIONS
A CONFERENCE ON LIFE AND FAITH

MAY 89
IS THERE A GOD?
IS THE BIBLE RELIABLE?
WHY DOES GOD ALLOW
EVIL AND SUFFERING?
DO SCIENCE AND FAITH
CONTRADICT ONE ANOTHER?

Day One: Friday from 7 p.m.9:30 p.m.

Day Two: Saturday from 9 a.m.12:30 p.m.
Cost: $30
Register: http://bit.ly/1AdQkkY
Whether you consider yourself a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, youre invited to
thoughtfully engage these vital topics with us.
Well hear from Craig Hazen, J.P. Moreland, Sean
McDowell, and Clay Jones, all of whom have dedicated their lives to exploring the answers to lifes
ultimate questions.
Although the registration cost for The Big Questions
represents a great value, please dont let the cost prohibit
you from attending. Scholarships for this event are available based on need, so contact us to find out more. Please
note: Childcare will not be provided for this event.

Have questions about The Big Questions:

A Conference on Life and Faith? Contact
[email protected].

HOW DO I GIVE?
My Time, Talents & Skills

HOW DO I GET
CONNECTED AT IBC?

Childrens Ministry Leaders

Each Sunday, IBC helps about 800 kids grow in
Christ and connect in community. We are in need of
people of all ages to invest in the next generation of
nursery, preschool, and elementary kids. We have
opportunities for all skill sets. Contact Melody at
[email protected].

Were glad you asked. Here are the steps to take for
having your questions answered, guring out the
IBC story, and, if youre feeling ready, plugging in.

Family Promise Day Center Volunteers

The FP Day Center is where the adults go to develop
a plan for housing and jobs while their kids are in
school. If you could give a few hours a week or
month to help at the Day Center, contact Merlyn at
(469) 586-5374, or [email protected].

Start

JOIN IN WORSHIP

Great Days of Service Volunteers

Each spring, a group of churches in Irving puts on an
event called Great Days of Service to help families
with home repairs. IBC is involved this year and has
many ways to help. Contact Glen at glen.rodgers@
verizon.net.

So you found the address, a place to park, and a breath

mint on the way in. Good work! If youre reading this,
youve probably already taken the first step attending a
worship service. This is the first and most important place
to start, so keep coming. Become a regular. Make sure to
fill out a Newcomer Card. Tell us a little about yourself and
let us know how we can engage with you. Somebody will
reach out to you this week. Visit irvingbible.org/connect.

Meal Team Volunteers

IBC makes meals available both Sunday and Wednesday nights. These fun teams could use some additional volunteers to serve together. For Sundays, contact
[email protected]. For Wednesdays,
contact [email protected].

CHECK OUT THE NEWCOMER GATHERING

Medical Professionals Needed

Our weekly medical clinic needs professional health
care providers (MD, PA, FNP) to provide treatment
for our patients. Volunteers serve on a rotating basis
and do not need to serve every week. Contact Charles
at [email protected].
Mentor Kids in Single-Parent Families
Men and women are needed for gender-specific
mentoring of children from single-parent families.
Contact Marsha at [email protected].
New Friends New Life
Serve dinner to women healing from exploitation in the
commercial sex industry every third Wednesday. Contact Christine at [email protected].
Senior Citizen Volunteers
Do you have a heart for our assisted living neighbors?
MacArthur Hills and Ashford Hall need loving
volunteers and visitors for those who dont have
family nearby. For more info contact Mike at
[email protected].

So youre kicking the IBC tires? Good! Were so glad youre

here. The Newcomer Gathering is a great opportunity to
meet church leadership, learn what IBC is all about, and
connect with other newbies in a fun, relaxed environment.
Next Newcomer Gathering: April 16

SIGN UP FOR PROPEL

All right! Youre feeling the IBC vibe and want to see
where you might get involved. Propel is a 4-week class that
explores the IBC calling and culture, and how your unique
personality and passions fit in. Meet many of our pastors
and directors of ministries at IBC. Next Propel: April 26

JOIN A COMMUNITY
Youre firing on all cylinders but something is missing. And
that something is a someone, or a group of someones.
Enter sermon-based Small Groups, Womens Bible Study,
First Watch, and more. We encourage you to find a group
and connect authentically with others.
Visit irvingbible.org/adults.

My Resources

Online Giving Option

If you would find it more convenient to donate to
the ministries of Irving Bible Church online, visit
irvingbible.org/give.

FIND A PLACE TO SERVE

Youve come a long way since that first breath mint. Youve
been busy worshipping, learning, relating, and committing.
And its at this point that you might start looking around
at all the people who help create those events ushers,
greeters, meal team members, table hosts, small group
leaders, and the like. Your next step now is to join them!
Consider your passions, talents and spiritual gifts and then
ask about a place to serve. Visit irvingbible.org/serve.

FOR MORE INFO, VISIT IRVINGBIBLE.ORG/CONNECT OR LOOK

FOR THE NEWCOMER GUIDES AT THE INFORMATION DESK.

Chatter | 18

According to experts, being a

newcomer is 79% less awkward
than being a latecomer.

REIGN OF THE
EASTER GOAT

aster, as a holiday, is a bit confusing. The effect to Christmass cause,

Easter sits as the defining moment of Christianity, representing the
singular event without which our faith is futile, our morality meaningless and our affinity for alliteration even more annoying than usual. But
as a celebratory holiday, weve never really known what to do with it.
The traditional Easter traditions are, at best, scattershot and, at worst, bead-intensive. Why does the resurrection of our Lord and Savior spur ladies to buy new, onetime-use-only, suburban sombreros? Do hollow chocolate bunnies represent the
empty tomb? No. They represent a total gyp. And, not to stir up strife amongst the
body of Christ or with my own lovely wife, but Peeps are the devils own confection.

Despite the shambolic nature of Easters assorted leporine-based shenanigans, the

Fox family did, in the early years of spawn-related parenting, manage to establish
at least one non-ham-based tradition: Attending the freewheeling Easter egg hunt
and rated-G hoedown put on by the Plano Area Mothers of Multiples support
group for exceedingly tired Texas multi-mamas. Because we had (and have) twins.
Well, triplets really. One was just 21 months tardy. Anyway, our annual pilgrimages
to some area school or farm or unincorporated Collin County field left an indelible
impression on me. The kids only recall the candy. And my wife doesnt recall much
of anything between January 2008 and November 2011.
Each trip began with parking. Wait, no, each trip began with the ceremonial
packing of sippy cups, snacks, diapers, diaper disposal containment bags, the big
stroller, the medium stroller, the two single strollers, jackets, wipes, table toppers,
sun screen, bug spray, silkies, sunglasses, board books, lint and three dozen burp
cloths with stains ranging from Picasso (I see a cubist version of Grandma.) to
Escher (This is scientifically impossible without the unification of general relativity and quantum field theory.). Sometimes we even remembered the kids.
Thus loaded and locked in, we sallied forth across the mega-laned byways of DFW
until we reached the appointed destination and engaged in our first family-focused
fun-time activity of the day, finding a parking spot. Not that there werent plenty of
spots in the lumpy field that served as part-time lot and full-time opossum toilet,
there were. Its just that if one wishes to actually find ones vehicle later in the day,
one must avoid parking near similar vehicles. Which is difficult in a silver Honda
Odyssey, the Official Minivan of North Texas 2005 - 2010. Also, opossum opoo.
Shoe-safe parking rights thus secured, the better half and I would load up our gear,
insert one or more Foxlings into a stroller and commence the trek towards the
actual location of the activities. Halfway to the good times and three stops to tie
shoes later, I would remember that I had forgotten to remember to bring the kiddos
Easter buckets. Yes, buckets. So, while the rest of the clan got down to the serious
business of ova-based hooliganism, I would leave my perfect parking spot behind
to make a toll-laden 50-minute round trip to home base and back. Was my forgetfulness on purpose? Tune in next paragraph

Having left Steven Kings The Bunny to harass new arrivals, we immediately faced
another frightening challenge navigating the hundreds of equally scary children.
Because while our children were freakin totes adorbs long before totes adorbs was
totes irritating, everyone elses offspring freaked me out as much as The Offspring
did circa 1998, as fly for a white guy though I may have been. And when the majority
of those imps looked like one to three other imps? Lets just say I wouldnt have been
too surprised to find Rod Serling smoking a menthol behind the bounce houses.
Which brings us to the bounce houses. Personally, I love bounce houses. If I could
somehow live in a bounce house I would. Although as a Type 1 diabetic, living in
an inflatable domicile is surely a recipe for disaster or a standing order for patch
kits from Amazon. However, as the PAMOM gathering was theoretically for the
children, I was not so theoretically barred from entering any air-supported home,
castle, slide or sumo wrestling ring. But at least the kids had fun celebrating the
atonement of their sins by flopping around like carp on Vicodin for 20 minutes.
More than the faith of a small child. More than the small faith of a mustard seed.
Yes, more than the faith exemplified by the two examples I can think of without
hitting up Google, we must have the faith of a goat. A goat that will eat anything
presented to it based on its unwavering faith in the hand that feeds it, and its ability to digest even the most space-ageiest synthetics. At least thats what I think the
row of (goat) kids trying to eat (our) kids meant. But I was still scheming on how to
get into the bounce houses, so I may not have been paying adequate attention.
Finally, after the parking, the Bunny of Magog, the forbidden inflatables and the
livestock jamboree, all the kids gathered for an age-segregated (because we all
really cant get along until were 12) egg hunt. The eggs, provided by the parents,
were of the plastic variety and meant to be filled with candy that wouldnt melt. Of
course, most candy that doesnt melt is awful and not fit for worshipfully reflecting upon the glory of our risen Savior. But thats beside the point. The real joy was
watching hundreds of Xeroxed children learning to body check, throw elbows and
otherwise muscle their way to their prescribed dozen Cadbury-less treasures.
Because nothing says supplication and repentance quite like a miniaturized, semibloodless version of the Hunger Games.
Sadly, this traditional display of might making right ceased to be upon our moving
to Omaha. However, my banishment from local bounce-centered establishments
remains intact. Because the wonderful thing about traditions is traditions are
wonderful things. Even if they sometimes involve a bit of opoo.

Jason Fox prefers his real eggs over medium and his Easter eggs to be the peanut
butter or Cadbury kind.
Jason writes from Omaha, Nebraska, because somebody has to.

No. At least not consciously.

If you think its scary having your parents shove your five-year-old self toward the
lap of a giant, perma-smiled rabbit who has set up its burrow between the Wicks
n Sticks and Auntie Annes Pretzels, consider how youd feel to find that same psychotic furball sprinting towards you at full pace threatening to hug the joy, joy, joy
right out of your heart. Because thats what greeted our brood. Luckily, since it was
Texas, everyone had their concealed carry permits. Mmmm, hasenpfeffer.
Studies say women who give
birth to twins live longer.

Do Big Family Easter Egg Hunts scare you, too?

Never fear. Eggsperience is here. See page 13.

The total weight of eggs made in a

12-hour shift at Cadburys factory is
three times heavier than an elephant.

Chatter | 19

Mark and Bill de la Chapelle engage

in some strategic Chatter reading with
a marginally disinterested onlooker at
the Louvre in Paris.

Chatteryou CAN take it with you. Send us

your Chatter photos on location, and you may
see yourself in an upcoming issue. Email us
at [email protected].