AUGUST 2010

Chatter
Today we began reading our two-year-old potty-training propaganda. This involved shameless plugs from the likes of Elmo about how Elmo can use the potty! and how you can do it too and might even get to FLUSH all by yourself and pick out your own big boy underwear should you be successful! CAN YOU EVEN BEAR THE EXCITEMENT OF IT ALL? Its not that weve started training him in earnest. Yet. After all, he is still recovering from a major move and from being evicted from his crib into a bed the size of Texas, where getting into it and remaining inside has become a spectacle of toddler Olympics. Not to mention the impending birth of his sister, which will hopefully be mere days away when this publication goes to print. All very traumatizing to a person who has only recently been referring to himself in the first person. No, we have not yet morphed into drill sergeants about going sans diaper, but we have been diligently weakening Drews defenses against the idea should he prove hesitant, or, more likely, downright militant (in the good Irish-Lebanese tradition from which he is descended). Were wearing him down like a city under siege, and then we will attack. But not until November. All this looming on the horizon reminds me that much looms on our collective horizon as August arrives: school starting, fall descending soon (in theory if not in Fahrenheit), the holidays making cameo appearances in our conversations, the dream of not mowing our lawns materializing a small speck in the distance, but growing larger and of course, the sweet end of swimsuit season and blessed advent of fall fashion. Fashion that will not be wearable in this heat until Christmas. But still. And its at this terrifying-yet-exciting moment of anticipation and angst that I leave you, fair reader, at least temporarily. See, Im having a baby. Like, soon. Like, tomorrow. And try as I might, there is no really effective way to edit Chatter from the confines of Harris Methodist; much less from the hormonal fog that envelopes your head and plugs your nostrils and ear canals for the first weeks and months of newborndom. I might spontaneously combust, go crazy and join the circus (because who knows but that the upheaval will create a new Bearded Lady), or more likely, sit around and cry for six weeks until she finally sleeps for five hours straight. And then Day Two of second time parenthood will have begun. (Trust me, you dont want me around.) But never fear, for I leave you with the skilled red pen of Kristy Alpert, our new interim editor. Kristy is a former IBCer, former D Magazine editor, and allround Chatter fan and cool gal. (I hear she even has a HOLSTER for her red pen, which is pretty fancy and hi-falutin if you ask me.) She and her hubby are living in Portland, OR right now where she freelances writing and editing. Lucky for us, Chatter knows no geographical bounds and will be in the best of hands until my return. So send Kristy a fruit basket or something as a welcome after you send me a bottle of progesterone to dull the crazy, of course. And if you want to keep up with me in the meantime, check out my blog every Thursday at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram: www.mom2momdfw.com. Click on Wet Behind the Ears or the picture of the goofy-looking brunette. (Thus ends my shameless plug and I wont ever say another word about ituntil my next maternity leave.) So. Next time we meet, a lot will have changed. Thats true every month Chatter prints, of course, but this time oh my! And really, Ill miss you. Ill miss Chatter. Producing Chatter is not unlike giving birth every month with less bloodloss but its especially fun because this child is born with a sense of humor, a sort-of sturdy spine, and most importantly, something to say. I also want to thank the designers who make Chatter so great every month and who will be towing a lot of slack while Im gone: Dennis Cheatham, designer extraordinaire; and especially Josh Wiese, who is largely responsible for Chatters attractiveness, readability and flavor month in and month out. You make me look good, but you could make a monkey semi-attractive, unless that monkey was me dressed up like a monkey. Anyway. Thanks for everything. And hey, its not like you are getting rid of me forever, as much as that idea may tempt and delight. In the immortal words of Elmo, Ill be back. WaitAh, forget it. Im on vacation. Peace until next time,

a letter from

Guess who arrived just before press time?

It is our great joy to introduce you to the newest member of the Chatter family, the beautiful and, no doubt, talented Madeline Mae Rhodes. Born to Editor Extraordinaire Julie and her husband Gordon, July 25. Weighing in at a lovely 6 lbs. 6 oz. and 19 inches long. Well done Ms. Editor! Enjoy your vacation.

Editor Extraordinaire Julie Rhodes Art Direction, Design & Goodness Josh Wiese & Dennis Cheatham Photography David Farris (Cut for a Cause, Make Your Mark) Danae Blessing (Teaming up for Special Needs) 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

Cut for a Cause

On June 27, folks gathered at Salon D in Dallas for a little beautification and/or barberfication to raise money for New Friends New Life, an IBC partner that helps women leave the sex industry. All in all, 117 people participated and raised over $6,000 for NFNL.

Student Summer Mission Trips

On July 10 a group of IBC students set out for New York City and the next day two more groups saddled up, one headed for Memphis, Tennessee and the other for New Orleans, Louisiana. Students did everything from feeding the homeless to gutting houses. They joined up with van-loads of IBC students in Gulf Shores, Alabama, July 1519 for Summer Camp. Lives were changed and no adult volunteers were permanently damaged.

New York City

New Orleans

Gulf Shores Memphis

Sliding Upside Down:Reaper Another Face-Off with the

Cars Shouldnt be Wrinkly

Sliding upside down in your car on a major freeway in rush hour traffic is an interesting sensation. Those seven seconds become elastic as the brain catapults into an overload of mental input. There is the dizzying array of lights from hundreds of headlights surrounding you while the sparks from your roof light up the road like fireworks. The band-saw sound of hard concrete sheering the metal and plastic off your vehicle grates the nerves. And the unforgettable smell of burning metal and plastic sticks to your nostrils like crazy glue. At that same moment, your emotions become numb in self-defense; each victim enters their own personal shock. Unfortunately, this is not the first time Ive experienced this.
Bye Bye Bumper

getting close to my exit when a guy going well over 70 hit me from behind. The sensation was very similar to a roller coaster heading down its first big hill. Having the back of my vehicle picked up and flung forward left me with few options; I did not hit the brakes but just tried to maintain control. Thats when my Dukes of Hazzard trick came in handy: using the VW bug in front of me as a ramp, I drove up his drivers side with my right wheels. (The driver later said it was weird seeing the undercarriage of my car right next to him. He thinks I might need an alignment and that I might be leaking a bit of oil.) This was enough to send me careening down the highway, sliding on the drivers side of my vehicle. (Driving sideways sounds cooler than it actually is.) A second later, I was upside down heading south on I-35. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see the sparks of the metal on the concrete. It was pretty, in a life-threatening sort of way.
Very Clear View Now

My first wreck was in 1992, a double head-on collision in a snowstorm. Yes. Double. I was hit head-on then spun around and was hit again by another vehicle. Our family spent the next six weeks getting to know the Des Moines hospital staff. Almost exactly a year later, our family was t-boned by a guy who ran a red light going 70 mph. Cheryl, my wife, took the brunt of that hit and barely survived. The next ten years were quiet until a relatively slow drive through St. Louis in a major downpour where we hydroplaned and flipped over a few times. We found ourselves upside down in a tree that thankfully stopped us from landing in a flooded creek. Last night was easy-going compared to the past accidents. I was driving to the Stars hockey game alone in my Nissan Xterra SUV. It was about 7:15 p.m. Traffic on the three-lane road slowed to about 45 mph. I was

Every person reacts differently to this sort of moment. I can only tell you how I reacted. Upside down for those three seconds, I said out loud, Its going to be ok. But my nonverbal thoughts would have sounded something like, There is no way this can be happening again Going through insurance will be a pain in the butt I am going to be late for the Stars game I have an overwhelming sense of peace every time I come to the edge of eternity and I find that quite interesting I really like this car and now I am going to have to find a new one look at the pretty sparks, ooooooDidnt this happen to the Blues Brothers? I wonder if
Pastor Andys motorcycle-riding alter ego is named Boss Hogg.

Chatter | 4

someone is going to hit me I hope that if I am going to die, it will be instantly Being upside down is disorienting How did I get back upright? Cheryl is going to kill me But it wasnt my fault I want to hug my family.
Rear Drivers Side

Not Designed for Roof Driving

Before I could think anything else, I hit something new I think it was the metal guard rail and the Xterra bounced back into an upright position, stopped in the middle lane and faced the proper direction. I really have no idea how this happened; physics has never been one of my strong subjects. Stopped in the middle of the highway, I simply waited to get whacked by another car. But none came. They had all stopped to look at my VW ramp, now dead about 300 yards behind me. The guy who hit me was parked on the other side of the threelane highway, probably in the process of emptying his bowels. My car was still running so I pulled it off the road. The whole drivers side of my car was sheered down to the silver metal. I lost my bumper and both my front and back windows. The roof of the car looked like a grand piano had been dropped on it from a tenth-story window. But I was weirdly calm. After four life-threatening accidents like this, you stay pretty stable. No shakes or nerves. I just jumped into making sure everyone was okay and gathering my valuables from the car and off the highway where many of them had been scattered. The police were there in a minute and thankfully no one was hurt. One officer looked at the car and asked who was driving. When I told him it had been me, he shined his light on my face and said, You should be leaving here in an ambulance. You are one lucky man. I knew luck had nothing to do with it.

I continued to the Stars game because my ride home was meeting me there. What stuck with me the rest of the evening was the smell the smell of twisted metal, burning plastic and splattered oil. It never leaves my brain. It conjures up all the other accidents at the same time. Twenty-four hours later, I am sore but alive. I learned a long time ago how fleeting life is and how quickly our candles can be snuffed out. After recovering from my first near-fatal crash in 1992, I determined to live life to the fullest and take nothing for granted. Then, I lost one of my brothers to a car accident in 2005. He was about the same age I was in my first accident. He died and I lived. I dont try to understand the reasons. I just acknowledge the truth that because I am not promised tomorrow, I must try to embrace every day as a gift. I have to hug the people I love, attempt to bring joy and peace to those I see daily, and hope to make some sort of difference in the world. If we allow it, sliding upside down every once in a while may just turn our lives right side up again. If sliding upside down wasnt enough, Shawn Small just took a helicopter thrill ride into the Royal Gorge, Colorado. The first 2,500-foot drop straight down had him hooked.

Des Moines was credited as the number-one spot for U.S. insurance companies in a Business Wire article.

Chatter | 5

Who is Your Larrishelle?

I started mentoring Larrishelle three years ago with Mercy Street.

The word mentoring, or using the words mentor or mentee, is kind of funny to me. It might be because they are very formal words, and I am not a formal person. Or maybe because they make me feel like I should have a head of gray hair and mounds of wisdom to impart. Honestly, I dont have either. (And hopefully never will have gray hair thanks to the beautiful invention of hair color.) Deciding to jump into the mentoring process was a big step for me. I dont like to do things half-heartedly, and when I commit, I like to give 100%. The kids that live in West Dallas have enough flaky people in their lives. They want and need a consistent presence. They dont need another person who will walk out of their lives when the going gets tough or when its not convenient or just because it is hard. Mentoring is a process. I have to be honest that I am not a process-lovin person nor do I long for the journey that so many of you people out there passionately explore (unless it involves travel then I am in!). I dont even own proper journey shoes. I own flip-flops. I see a need. I meet it. I move on. I look for the end of the road and how problems can be solved quickly and effectively. Sometimes this happens in life but most of the time it doesnt. However, God is in the process. Our lives are a process, a journey. We dont get perfect overnight. And this is how it has been with my Larrishelle. After three years, she still may be failing some of her classes. She might have gotten suspended several times in school this year. BUT She is talking more and asking questions about life, about Jesus, about how I deal with things. And she is sharing more of what is going on in her life. In the last few months, we have had a lot of good times and good conversations. I get to share how I have dealt with issues in my life, and I get to counsel her on how to deal with things in her life as best I can. I get to be that person I hope she will turn to no matter what. I get to be Jesus to her and show her unconditional love, encourage her to grow and live and be who she is created to be. Sometimes it is a burden, sometimes I dont want to go hang with her, sometimes I dont have answers, and sometimes I just want to be selfish and live my own life. Sometimes I just want to curl up in my blanket and have my own issues each day and not worry about hers. But I am reminded that Jesus calls us to reach out to those in need. He wants us to be his hands and feet. Not just to help people so we can check it off on our good list and get an extra jewel in heaven. No, this is his heart, his passion, and his mission: that all may come to know him in a greater way. And when we help those like Larrishelle those who think that the only dependable things in the world are the U.S. Post Office and Hot Cheetos he uses that to transform us even more into his own image. Though I am mentoring Larrishelle, she is teaching me so much more than I am teaching her. (What I did not expect was to grow in my dance moves also. While I never claimed to be Michael Jackson, I feel like I do have some moves. Larrishelle always just shakes her head and laughs at my white girl moves. She keeps me humble. But as I tell her loudly over her laughter, it doesnt matter if you can dance, just that you dance anyway.) Please pray about becoming a mentor. Pray about who your Larrishelle will be. There are so many kids waiting just to hang out with someone cool like you. It turns out you dont even need the proper shoes, and you might even learn how to dance better. Jen recently completed a road trip in which she and her friends crossed seven state lines and one time zone in 76 hours. She is also IBCs Mercy Street liaison and can be reached at: mercystreet@irvingbible.org.

Backpacks for Mercy Street

IBC has the opportunity to be a part of Mercy Streets Back to School Backpack Giveaway. If you would like to participate on August 21, please contact Jen at mercystreet@irvingbible.org.

Chatter | 6

Flip-flops are known as go-aheads in the South Pacific.

Previous to Chester, Cheetos mascot was a mouse called the Cheetos Mouse. He debuted in 1971.

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The material on these two pages is explicit and disturbing, and may be inappropriate for some readers.
Chatter | 8

WARNING:

Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery that affects both Americans and foreigners. Women and children are most at risk. Texas has become a hub for the international crime because of its interstate highways, bus stations, airports, shopping malls, large number of sexually oriented businesses, as well as its shared border with Mexico.

What is Sex Trafficking?

Darlas Story
Darlas mother was addicted to drugs. She never knew her father. She was removed from her mothers home when she was very young and was shuffled from one foster home to another. A relative of one of Darlas foster families began sexually abusing her, convincing her she had used up all of the foster families in the system, and threatening that if she told anyone, shed wind up on the streets. Darla turned to drugs and alcohol to numb the pain of yet another year of sexual abuse, and finally ran away at the age of 14. Within 72 hours of running away, a pimp approached Darla and the usual process of grooming began. He promised her a stable life and things shed never known before: that hed care for her, that he would provide the things shed never had safety, security, nice things of her own. And then the nightmare began. Darla was beaten regularly, locked in a closet with no food or water for days, and raped repeatedly; all common tactics of physical and psychological warfare that results in complete submission. When the pimp turned Darla out onto the streets to begin work, she was too afraid to run away. If she wasnt where she was supposed to be when he came back, she knew he would find her and kill her. Hed said so many times. Over time, other girls were added to the family, and Darla became responsible for showing them the ropes. She would sometimes have to participate in their punishment if they defied the rules or disrespected Daddy. This went on for ten years. One night while working, Darla was brutally raped, beaten and stabbed. She lost four teeth in the attack. At the hospital, her pimp decided it would be too expensive to get her back in shape for business. After all, he had younger girls that made more money than she did. And thats how Darla got out of the business her pimp abandoned her in the hospital after she failed to bring home her quota. Darla made it on her own for a while, making a living out of a hotel room where she lived. When she got pregnant, she decided she couldnt continue the life shed been living. Thats when Darla came to New Friends New Life for help. She says it took six months before shed really trust anybody there and kept waiting for the strings attached part to kick in. Darla finally realized it wasnt a trick, that there werent any strings attached except things like going to counseling, meeting with the other women on Wednesday nights, meeting with her Advocate, and being responsible with the money she received for living expenses. But those were strings that brought freedom instead of bondage. Today, Darla has a beautiful 2-year-old daughter, has gotten her GED and has been certified as a nurse assistant. And, shes proud of herself. In the fall, shed like to enroll in college to pursue her nursing degree. Darla has realized that her past does not have to dictate her future, and that circumstances beyond her control led her down a path she would not have chosen for herself. And, last spring, Darla trusted Jesus with her life. It came to her one day that he loved her, accepted her, forgave her and had provided for her all because of her experience through the ministry of New Friends New Life. These were women who loved and served Jesus, and who in turn had loved and served her. She saw him through his people, and now she is one of them.

According to Texas-based advocacy group Children At Risk, it is estimated that one out of every three kids on the street is lured into sex trafficking within the first 48 hours away from home, indicating that at a minimum, 2,000 youth, age 10-16, are at risk of being trafficked in or from Dallas/Fort Worth each year. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 defines sex trafficking as the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act (commercial meaning, the giving or receiving of anything of value i.e. money, drugs, shelter, food, clothes, etc. to any person in exchange for a sex act). The law further defines severe forms of sex trafficking as a commercial sex act induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such acts has not attained 18 years of age. In other words, by our human trafficking laws, any child found in a commercial sex act has been trafficked by definition. There are many cases of homeless youth in our city engaging in survival sex to secure food, housing, transportation, and other items just to survive on the streets. In the absence of a trafficker/pimp selling the youth, the perpetrator paying for the sex act with food, a bed, or a ride becomes by definition the trafficker and the situation is defined as sex trafficking. Most importantly, the child is defined as a victim of domestic minor sex trafficking. Despite the connotations of the word, trafficking does not require proof of physical movement of the person. Thus, a person can be a victim of sex trafficking without ever leaving his/her home. Trafficking is a crime of exploitation. Minor sex trafficking is a burgeoning criminal enterprise in America. Gangs are turning to prostituting minors as a less risky source of revenue than drug trafficking or other crimes. Traffickers of foreign victims into the U.S. are finding local, American children easier to recruit and sell without the difficulties of crossing borders. Local communities are being adversely affected with the loss of hundreds of thousands of children to this victimization.
Source: Taken from the Shared Hope International report on Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking.

Is this not the fast which I choose, to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke? Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into the house, when you see the naked, to cover him; and not to hide yourself from the needs of your own flesh and blood? Isaiah 58: 6-7

DOMESTIC MINOR SEX TRAFFICKING BY THE NUMBERS:

30 7

the number of children sold into the sex trade every hour

There is Hope
New Friends New Life newfriendsnewlife.org Traffick911 traffick911.org

the average life expectancy (in years) after entry into sex trafficking
Source: traffick911.org
Sex trafficking is the 2nd largest criminal activity in the world.

12

There are many local organizations committed to fighting the crisis of sexual exploitation. For more information on human trafficking and ways to get involved, visit: Mosaic Family Services, Inc. mosaicservices.org The Letot Center dallascouty.org

the average age of entry into sex trafficking

And, watch for ways IBC will be addressing the sex trafficking crisis in future issues of Chatter.
15% of Texas calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline come from the D/FW area.

34% of all calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline come from the state of Texas.

Chatter | 9

Make Your Mark

Have you ever heard of the Graffiti Cactus? Its growing along a canyon trail in Santa Monica, California where lovers, unsupervised teenagers and eager tourists have carved their initials, phrases or other expressions of themselves, all wanting some way to be immortalized. And really, isnt that what we all want? To make our mark in some small or large way? We as a body at IBC have made a significant mark on the hearts and souls of many people in Sudan through the Water is Basic initiative, an organization committed to drilling clean water wells for villages in the southern regions of the war-torn country. So many have left their mark to make clean water possible marks both small and large: the men of Sudan drilling the wells, their families who spend long amounts of time without them, the time spent by Bishop Taban coordinating the teams and finding communities in need of water, and those of us volunteering and giving resources here at home to help provide one of the most basic of human needs water. And to commemorate these marks, were creating other marks scattered across the floor of the Town Square in the form of bronze survey markers, which represent the various locations of completed water drills. So when youre up at IBC next time, take a minute to see exactly where so many have left a mark by checking out a survey marker or two and reading about a well drilled in Sudan through the work of Water is Basic. As Bishop Taban has so eloquently said, we are not only quenching the bodies of people in need, we are watering their souls, too. To learn more about Water is Basic, visit waterisbasic.org. Nichole Bentley used to have an alphabetized pantry until her four sons came along.

GREATCOMMISSION2020.COM

The Miracle of Internet Evangelism:

Global Media Outreach and greatcommission2020.com

ness, addictions, suicide, abuse, divorce, hopelessness. With nowhere to turn, people are turning to the Internet in astonishing numbers trying to fill the emptiness inside. Global Media Outreach (GMO) was founded to meet that need. Providing websites that share the gospel through video, text, and mobile phones, GMO uses global communication technology to do evangelism and discipleship worldwide, in multiple languages.

Over 2 million people conduct spiritual searches through the Internet each day. Who are these people? They are people in crisis: facing loneli-

Freeze Frame

Wednesday July 30
2:27 p.m., CST

As a ministry of Campus Crusade, GMO has set up over 100 websites designed to address the top 113 spiritual questions people pose on Google. Each day, hundreds of thousands of visitors to these sites have the opportunity to hear the gospel, some for the first time in their native language. And the results are astounding: at the end of 2009, approximately 10 million people from all over the world had indicated they had made decisions for Christ. The website, greatcommission2020.com, gathers statistics from the many different GMO websites and publishes the results in real time. Take Wednesday, July 30 as an example. GMO has also set up discipleship websites to help nurture the faith of so many new believers. In addition, GMO is cultivating a large network of volunteers online to follow up with people submitting questions through the various websites. GMO is looking for more such people to interact with these new believers and spiritual seekers. If you are interested in becoming an volunteer online with GMO, join us for an informal event on Sunday, August 22, where youll hear from GMO staff about the impact the Internet is having on worldwide missions and how to get involved in the new frontier of Internet evangelism and discipleship. Meanwhile, visit greatcommission2020.com to watch live as people come to know Jesus all over the world. Volunteer Information Event: Sunday, August 22, 12:30 p.m. in the Training Center. Lunch provided.

222,584 21,993 3,552

Visitors to GMO websites so far today Indicated decisions for Christ so far today Requests for a follow-up from a volunteer so far today

Real-time locations of people visiting the sites right now:

Gaborone, Botswana; Nagari, India; Caracas, Venezuela; Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.

By the end of the day, these numbers will have doubled.

The Internet is just a world passing around notes in a classroom. Jon Stewart

Chatter | 10

IBC Childrens Ministrys fall quarter focus will be raising money for Water is Basic. Families will also have a chance to serve together at a Water is Basic KIDVENTURE event (details coming soon!).

Sacred Space
Folks who wish to be physically fit understand, or eventually come to understand, what it takes. Its not automatic. If you want to be healthy, you have to work at it consistently. Its like that with a lot of things: relationships, marriage, parenting, your e-mail inbox, etc You get the picture. The college kids here at the camp where I work sometimes ask me how many e-mails I typically receive or send in a day. I tell them its well over 50 (not counting tweets, Facebook messages or IMs). Im sure it was a great deal more than that when I lived in the Dallas area. That always blows their minds. Kids these days, they just dont understand e-mail. Because so much of what I do flows through e-mail, its more than just communication. My inbox also functions as my to-do list. My job requires me to be out on my feet a great deal. But, when I do get the chance to sit at my computer for an extended time to catch up, the first thing Im going to do is start working through that inbox. And, generally speaking, once I get through it, or I should say if I get through it, I have the sense that I have at least caught up with the immediate things I need to address. Herein lies the problem. I just checked, and as I write, there are exactly 132 e-mails sitting in my inbox. Thats actually low. Last week I had a few hours to work in the office, and worked through more than a months worth of build-up. At the start of that project, there were over 500 e-mails in my inbox. And heres the kicker: all of those were things I really did need to address. If not, they wouldnt still be in there. And, whenever I have that many to work through, I inevitably come across a few that are past their expiration date. That is to say, that people were looking to me to answer a question or deal with an issue that is no longer relevant. I was just too busy to get back to responding. E-mail apologies are called for. Some of you have gotten one or more of those types of e-mails from me. Sorry about that. Heres the deal. I breathe e-mail like air. Even living on a remote mountainside in Colorado, on the outskirts of a town with a population of less than 500 people, with a job that has me running around all day, I take in and send out over 50 e-mails a day. And thats still not enough. I still need to carve out time that is set apart to keep up with it all. And I still havent quite figured out how to do that. There was one period of time, however, when I did. A number of years ago, when we were living in Lewisville, Texas, our kids attended a school up in Denton twice a week to supplement our homeschooling program. Once a week, it was my job to take the kids to school and bring them home. They were there for about three hours. It was just too short of a period of time to make it worth it for me to drive back to Lewisville or Irving while they were in class, but enough time that I needed to figure out how to get something productive done while I was there. So, I found a little coffee shop that had wireless Internet and determined that each week, for those three hours, I would work through my e-mails. And it worked. This is the only period of time I can honestly say that I kept up. I had a healthy inbox for a whole semester! Of course, I could have carved out the same three hours sitting in my office at church, or at home, but I didnt. There were too many other options. Something about the space-in-time created by the constraints of that situation made it happen. It had become sacred space. If you think that seems like a strange word to use in this context, a look at one of the general definitions of the word sacred on dictionary.com may help: secured against violation, infringement, etc. A look at the full definition of the word yields the idea of dedication, reverence, and something that is set apart or protected for a specific, worthwhile purpose. Thats what the three hours in that coffee shop were for me. E-mail sacred space. And it worked. Same thing for those who have disciplined themselves to work out at the gym, or go for a run at certain times each week. Its dedicated, sacred space. And, if Ive learned anything from my e-mail situation, it is that it doesnt just happen. You have to create the space yourself. And you have to protect it. Otherwise its not really sacred. Now lets apply this to our spiritual health. Like my 50-plus e-mails a day, many of us think about God and regularly pray in the daily flow of our lives. Especially before a job interview, or a big test. But, this is not enough to really keep us spiritually healthy, any more than the occasional walk to the mall from a remote parking spot on a busy shopping day is going to keep you physically fit if you are spending most of your time sitting in an office. Its just not enough. This is where the rich, historical practice of spiritual discipline comes in. We all need to set aside sacred space to engage with God through the Scriptures, prayer and meditation. And I dont think that physical space is necessarily the fundamental issue for us in our contemporary lives. I think the space we are most in need of for our spiritual health is time. But the two are really inseparable. Here are just a few ideas: 1. Take walks. The physical constraints of your route on the trail, in your neighborhood, around your office building, or even at the mall (not to shop, just to walk) will create the protected time. Get a dog youll need to walk to help force you to do this if it will help. Use the time for prayer and meditation. Get prayers or Scripture readings on your iPod to listen to while you walk. Got a long commute? Figure out how to protect it and make it a dedicated time for your spiritual health. Take the radio out of your car if you need to. Gasp! Or plug in your iPod and listen along with recorded Scripture readings or prayers. But remember, silence is a spiritual discipline too. Find a local park, church, or other location out of your normal routine and set aside some time there on a regular basis. Turn off your phone. Take your Bible or prayer book.

2.

3.

The list of resources you might use in addition to your Bible is extensive. Chatter has recommended many over the years, but a simple Internet search will quickly yield numerous options as well. I wont make any specific recommendations here. Ill leave that to you. But, remember. It doesnt matter how many shelves of cool devotional prayer books you have if you have not created the space in your life to actually use them. It is always a challenge to form a new habit that is out of your normal pattern, but you can do it. Eventually, if you stick with it, youll not know how to do without it. And you will find that God will become more real to you in the day-to-day and overall direction of your life than you ever thought possible. Youll find yourself fighting to protected it! It will become sacred space. Russ Ware lives on the side of a beautiful mountain range in Colorado but currently finds his best sacred space while deep-cleaning his kitchen on a regular basis. Go figure.

Lectionary Readings Daily lectionary readings are available online at http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu.

Electronic mail predates the inception of the Internet, and was in fact a crucial tool in creating it. In an e-mail to Joe, Kathleen said, The odd thing about this form of communication is that youre more likely to talk about nothing than something. But I just want to say that all this nothing has meant more to me than so many somethings. Youve Got Mail, 1998.

Chatter | 11

Dr. Wheeler, I Presume?

Meet Meredith Wheeler B.S., B.A., Th.M., Ph.D. new International Director of ALARM.

pastor. Meredith specializes in decision-making, crisis/critical communication, conflict resolution, and a whole slew of other skills that have landed him speaking engagements with groups all over the world. Hes brilliant and committed to the long haul and multi-talented. Great. It gets worse. When talking about his lifes passion he says, Calling people to be reconciled to God and others has been the central theme of my life. Meredith genuinely loves people and brings his heart for reconciliation, hope, and restoration through the gospel to his new role as director of ALARM. He is Napoleon-esqe in his adventures and travels, part NATO and part Negotiator in his skill sets, and he has the heart of Mother Teresa. Over-achiever. Im suddenly nervous to conduct this interview. Do I bow? Or kiss his hand? Will he evaluate my decision-making process or critique my article? I have no idea what to expect as I begin the dialogue. I e-mail him and he responds within the hour. Im behind on the deadline and he graciously answers my questions by that evening. Im reading his answers and find myself laughing one minute, feeling inspired the next, and crying by the end. I discover that Meredith Wheeler is an anomaly. He is both brilliant and butt ugly. Chatter Walk me through a day in the life of Meredith Wheeler. Meredith Wheeler Is it unchristian or uncouth to say I am butt ugly in the morning? I do not leap out of bed; I stagger, groan and run into doors and walls. Always multiple cups of English breakfast tea. I listen to Mike and Mike on ESPN radio on the drive to work. The end of my day: spiritual disciplines, yogastretching, popcorn, reading and something on television all at the same time. Chat You recently moved to the U.S. from New Zealand. Be honest, did you retain the accent and do you sometimes use it to sound like a cool foreigner?

Lets stop right there. Ive never met the man who recently took over the reigns of the African Leadership And Reconciliation Ministries, ALARM, but I assume right off the bat he is so intelligent that it quite possibly hurts to carry his own brain around. As I read through his impressive biography, I realize we are basically talking a modern day Napoleon Bonaparte (OK, minus the wars, exile, and untimely death). This is a man who has traveled and explored the world: Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Germany, Poland, Columbia, Indonesia, the Middle East, Mexico and New Zealand, to name a few. His accolades include Vice President of Laidlaw College in Auckland, New Zealand and serving twenty years as a senior

What is ALARM?
African Leadership and Reconciliation Ministries is an African ministry that empowers African pastors and other leaders to bring hope and transformation to their communities. Or, as defined by Meredith, An amazing organization that seeks to help African nations devastated by war, tribalism and political corruption to reflect Gods creation design for thriving, peaceful, loving, beautiful communities of grace and hope. ALARM engages in a wide variety of ministries, ranging from pastoral training and conferences on reconciliation to micro-business and education.

I have a Dream!
Merediths dream for ALARM, in one sentence: I dream for ALARM to be a transformative agent in the building of African nations, and that in the western church it be a champion of the gospel expression: peace building, forgiveness and reconciliation in our own relationships our marriages, our families, our friendships, our communities, our politics and nation.

Chatter | 12

Dr. Livingstone appeared in a Sesame Street sketch in which Ernie and Bert look for him in the jungle. Ernies sole aim is to ask the good doctor Bugs Bunnys trademark query, Whats up, doc?

MW New Zealand English is something . . . like snogging (kissing), puckeroo (something that is broken), super loo (large public toilet), and togs (swimming suit). We loved it but I have to be honest, I could just never get into calling my friends mate. Chat American foods you missed? MW Popcorn is my favorite food. I actually went to a grocery store prior to accepting the job to see if I could get popcorn kind of like a fleece before the Lord. We couldnt get fresh jalapeos. I confess that I smuggled jalapeo seeds into the country to grow my own. Chat You mention dealing with the issues of pain and injustice at a young age. Tell me about that. MW My parents drove us as children from Iowa to Kansas for grandparent visits. I was struck by signs I saw in the early 60s that said, whites only, or colored entrance. My grandparents mirrored some of the racist attitudes of the day and their answers did not satisfy my inquisitive mind. I wanted to know that if God truly loved every person equally, why we couldnt treat people equally? Chat What would you say to someone who says they cannot forgive a certain wrong that has been done to them? MW All of us are deeply wounded people, some of us more deeply than others. The bones of our souls have been fractured by our sins and the sins of others. There is so much unhelpful teaching on forgiveness. Forgiveness for God is an event, but for us it is a process. We move to a posture of forgiveness, desiring to reflect a God who forgives freely, but there is much to understand in order to forgive what was the wound, what are the effects of the wound and the ripple effect extends to the edges of our souls: who else was impacted, how does justice fit into this? Forgiveness does not mean ignoring an offense and it does

not mean that a relationship will return to what it was before the offense. In fact, it cannot, for wounds and forgiveness change us. Chat Why care about Africa? MW Why care? We cant take credit for where we were born. We could have just as easily been birthed on the doorstep of a brothel in Calcutta or in a refugee camp in the Congo. To care about others is what it means to be human in Gods design. Jesus said that even a cup of cool water given in his name can make a difference. We can look at the enormous needs, the scale of problems, the senseless violence and despair, and then assume theres nothing we can do. English philosopher Edmund Burke said, The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is that good men (and women) do nothing. The gospel of Jesus is about the transformation of our world, one soul at a time. Chat Why do you think God loves us so much? Has he let you in on the secret? MW Why does God love us so much gets reduced to the question, Why does God love me so much? That ultimately is the question for each of us. The answer: he cannot love us. Love is not something God does; it is who he is. After 47 years of faith, I still cant get over that God loves me as I am. I still struggle to believe that and to rest in this amazing truth. My life has been devoted to the gospel that there is no sin outside the realm of his forgiveness and no sinner beyond the reach of his love. Karl Barth, arguably one of historys greatest theologians, was asked what the greatest theological truth was. His answer: Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Meredith Wheeler and his wife Naomi moved to Dallas in March. They are very happy to be living in the land of milk and honey.... popcorn and jalapeos, that is. And the writer of this article, Jenny Simmons, wants to go to Africa now...

If I am interested in Africa I should...

A. Read the world news about Africa. B. Pray for African leaders and the people of Africa.
Meredith Wheeler is an avid reader who devours upwards of three and four books a week! Check out his ultimate reading list... Short read Henri Nouwen, In the Name of Jesus Tough read Miroslav Volf, Exclusion and Embrace: A Theological Exploration of Identity, Otherness and Reconciliation Profound read A. W. Tozer, Knowledge of the Holy Old read Alexandre Dumas, The Man in the Iron Mask A book for everyone Marva Dawn, Unfettered Hope

C. Rent a zebra, watch Amazing Race, listen to Bono? D. Sponsor an African pastor through ALARM. $40 a month trains one pastor for an entire year! E. Visit Africa. F. All of the above. For more information about ALARM, visit alarm-inc.org.

As of 1999, 5,500 acres in the United States were dedicated to the cultivation of jalapeos.

Chatter | 13

This is not a bar code. This is not

a giant ink smudge from a printing press gone amuck. This is, technically, a stereogram an optical illusion that produces a 3-D image from from flat, two-dimensional images. (You remember these, dont you? Circa 1994 in malls everywhere, usually involving neon dolphins?) So, do you see what we see? Well...see. Hint: relax your eyes and let the image form slowly. Or, hold Chatter up to your nose and pull back slowly, letting your eyes relax. Still no luck? The key is on page 23.

On New Motherhood & Being Miserable

You cant learn how to be a parent unless you do it. So I did all this planning and preparing for my natural childbirth, breastfeeding and sleep scheduling. I planned for 9 whole months! The natural childbirth didnt pan out. Oh, I labored naturally for a long, long, long time. But Cal wasnt having it. He felt that life was quite comfy at a -1 station and no amount of coaxing from me, my midwife, or forceps was going to change his mind. So I went from a drug-free birth to a C-section. Nine months of planning went down the drain in less than a day. And I dont even want to talk about the sleep scheduling. Lets just say that, in my zeal to feel prepared, I read books that made the most sense to me as a nonparent. They were books about feeding and sleeping on a schedule. However, my child made it abundantly clear that he did not care about what those books had to say. Breastfeeding was also a challenge and my son was hungry and crying all the time. I started in a bad place: recovering emotionally (and physically) from a birth experience gone awry. I moved forward, only to find all of my plans not working. And I was really tired. So I was struggling to feel thankful. I cried a lot. I cried every day, multiple times a day, actually. Cal cried a lot too. It was a lot for me to handle, especially with all of the hormones raging around. I even struggled with the fact that I was struggling so much. I mean, shouldnt this be one of the happiest times of my life? Shouldnt I be thankful that I could even get pregnant in the first place? Dont get me wrong, we were beyond happy for a healthy baby and for all the richness it brings, but I couldnt help the fact that I was mostly miserable. I felt alone. And did I mention I was tired? After a frantic e-mail to a friend in which I wrote out all of my issues and asked her to please confirm or deny if I was going crazy, she suggested that I join a new moms group. Once a week for the next six weeks, I drove across town to a church where I sat in a room for two hours. I was surrounded by other brand spankin new moms. We brought our babies with us and fed our babies and changed diapers right there in the room. If the babies started to lose it, there were some sweet women present who would hold our babies and try and quiet them down for us. There were moms who had home births, drug-free births, epidurals and C-sections. There were moms who breastfed and moms who formula-fed. There were moms who really did feel like this was one of the

fter my son was born, I was struggling to feel thankful. I knew before having Cal that the change looming over me was one for which I was unable to adequately prepare. Having a child is like language training by immersion. You dont really learn a language if you dont travel to the country and immerse yourself in it.

happiest times of their lives and there were moms who couldnt get through a meeting without breaking down in tears. There was practical advice on everything from how to take care of our babies to how to take care of our marriages. There was also spiritual advice and prayer: we would share prayer requests and struggles with each other. Last and most certainly not least, there was gratitude. Each week we had to share something we needed prayer for (the easy part), and we had to share something we were thankful for. Some of the girls were thankful for so much! Some of us were in tears and in need of much prayer every time. But we had to say something we were thankful for. We had to. And that exercise in gratitude changed my life. Each week, as I sleepily struggled through with Cal, I started noticing things. Oh, that is what I will be thankful for next week! What a sweet time that was with him sleeping on my chest. But the great thing is that once I started looking for my thankful moments, I started seeing more than I ever realized I had. I was thankful for so much. For starters, Cal had such a sweet spirit, and while I wanted him to sleep without having to be on top of me, I knew those moments were fleeting and that I would wish to have them back again one day (I already do). And he had the softest, sweetest-smelling head! And every now and then, most likely out of sheer exhaustion, he would take an unexpected, incredibly lengthy nap! And those sleep scheduling books? I was thankful to be out from under their black and white, my-way-or-the-highway sentiments. And looking back, I have realized that being grateful has always changed me. Its those moments when you can finally come to grips with what you have and honestly admit that it is enough that are so liberating. Those are the moments when you start truly living. Are you an expectant first-time mom? Would you consider joining our group for first-time moms? If your first child will be 6 months or younger on September 30, we would love to have you join us. Square One, IBCs community for first time moms, will meet for 6 weeks starting September 30 from 10 a.m.-noon. Sara Taylor cant stand to have dry hands. In fact, she will sometimes avoid washing her hands after using the restroom if she doesnt have access to lotion (but will do her best to track down some hand sanitizer).

Square One

meets for 6 Thursdays starting September 30, 10 a.m.Noon Square One is for moms and their first baby up to 6 months of age. Babies attend with their moms. To register, contact Sara Taylor at sarabeth2@me.com. There is no registration fee.

sisterhood | from alone to known

Womens Fall Bible Study Sisterhood: From Alone to Known

Ive known it for a long time: most of us women feel alone and unknown. It hit me several years ago, this aloneness thing. As the Teaching Pastor to Women, I was always around plenty of women and I knew what the Scriptures said about community, yet I had none. When I would share with others how alone I felt how unknown they simply said, Get over it. Leadership is lonely. I knew this was true because I was experiencing it; but as true as it was, I knew it wasnt Truth. I knew what God said about his church, about how we are brothers and sisters who are meant to live in community with one another. Intellectually, I understood the kind of relationship God designed us for and I knew his Son had made provision for it, but I just wasnt experiencing this Truth in my everyday life. This tension has sent me on a journey to discover why we struggle with aloneness. I wanted to understand why we desire, even need, to be known, and how to find answers about gaining these family relationships God describes in his Word. This journey, however, has made me uncomfortable. My cultural values have been challenged, my independence confronted, and my behavior patterns called into question; but all of this wrestling has put me on a path to becoming known. Ive got a long way to go, and part of me is scared that I may be stumbling onto something much bigger than I dare take on. But as Ive started to taste what God had in mind, Ive become resolute: I want what God wants for my life because I know that what he has for me (and for you) is wonder, beauty and the very best when it comes to our relationships with each other. And Im not settling for anything less. My prayer is that you wont either. As you go through Sisterhood: From Alone to Known, may you discover Gods heart for his family. May you become resolute as you embrace and engage your sisters in Christ. May you become so committed to Gods family that you come out of hiding. May you be able to say what my mother would say after being with family and friends: Im full. Jackie Roese is IBCs Teaching Pastor to Women. She also grew up canning fruits and veggies with her mom and sisters and her favorite items were the canned peaches and spicy cauliflower.

sisterhood
from alone to known

Sisterhood: From Alone to Known

A 10-week Bible study for women Begins Tuesday, September 14 9:30-11:30 a.m. or 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Commons at IBC Ever play hide and seek with your sisters growing up? How about with the women who are in your life right now? Often we walk through life surrounded by people, and yet feel utterly and completely alone. This fall, as we look at the characteristics of biblical relationships, well begin to see Gods heart for his family. We will learn how to come out of hiding and become truly known by our sisters in Christ. To register for the Bible study or for KidZone, our excellent program for children, visit a-movement-of-women.org.

Chatter | 16

A sister can be seen as someone who is both ourselves and very much not ourselves a special kind of double. Toni Morrison

Back in Backpacks
Remember your first day of school? It was a mixed bag of excitement and nerves, but seemed full of possibilities. The IBC congregation has helped make the first day of school stress-free for parents and students alike each year by generously providing backpacks filled with school supplies to our community partners. This year, the need is even greater. Please return your filled backpack to the IBC baptismal no later than August 22. The goal: 2,000 backpacks! If you would like to participate in this project, please contact Barbara Tanner at btanner@irvingbible.org.

Single Parent Back to School Event

What is the Back to School Event, you ask? It is a way to help kids from single-parent families get ready for a terrific school year. The IBC Single Parent Ministry will host this special event on Saturday, August 14 from 2-5 p.m. in the Town Square. We anticipate about 1,500 attendees, and our goal is to provide FREE backpacks, school supplies and shoe gift cards to about 500 children. We will also provide: Medical and dental exams Haircuts Makeovers for mom Car care evaluation clinic A clothing exchange (gently worn) Ice cream sundaes

If you would like more information, have clothing to donate*, would like to volunteer or contribute financially, please contact Jennifer Erlenbusch at jerlenbusch@irvingbible. org or (972) 560-4633 ext. 578, or stop by the single-parent kiosk on Sunday. * If you would like to donate any gently used clothing, look for the collection box in the Town Square.

Teaming Up for Special Needs

In June, IBC teamed up with First United Methodist Coppell and Coppell YMCA to provide Respite Care for families of children with special needs. (Each month at IBC, volunteers provide a night out for these families with games, movies and more for the kids while the parents and caregivers have a night out.) This month was especially exciting as Coppell YMCA generously offered their space for this combined event with IBC and FUMC. There were bounce houses, gymnastics, entertainment and more; but the best part was seeing the amazing hearts of the volunteers who work so faithfully to make this event and each regular Respite Night happen for these incredible families. If you would like more information about the Special Needs Ministry at IBC, contact Diana at dblessing@irvingbible.org.

On July 11, 2010, the YMCA of the U.S.A. changed its name to the popular nickname, The Y.

Some time before 1565, an enormous deposit of graphite was discovered in England that the locals found useful for marking sheep. And thus the pencil was born.

Chatter | 17

This MonTh
Bible Communities
Communities on Sunday Synergy 9 a.m. Middle School Room New series: Can You Hear Me Now? God still speaks to his people today in various ways. How can we make sure we are available and ready to hear? Thrive 10:45 a.m. West D New 3-week discussion: Faith, Hope, and Love, followed by a study on the Book of Acts. Also available: weekly Bible studies for the ladies and men. Renew 10:45 a.m. West A (former L.I.F.E. class) We will finish up the Bible Reading and Reflection series and move into Starting Point, a fresh perspective on faith. August community event: family Swim Party and Potluck. The Point 6:45 p.m. High School Room Small group study: Unveiled at Last by Bob Sjogren, and Inside Out by Lawrence J. Crabb. Other small group studies include: a deeper look at the IBC sermon series, and Being PurposeDriven and What the Bible Says About It.

Community Care
Hope for the Hurting Griefshare Starting Tuesdays, Sept. 7, 6:458:30 p.m., Conference Room Griefshare is a caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of lifes most difficult experiences you dont have to walk this journey alone. KidZone is available at kidzone. irvingbible.org. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours prior to the meetings. Please contact Sharon at shararrington@verizon.net. ReEngage Sundays, 6:458 p.m., West C/D Join IBCs new marriage ministry experience as we find ways to reconnect with our spouses. ReEngage is for all marriages those struggling, doing OK, or doing great and seeking ways to grow. KidZone available by online pre-registration at least 48 hrs. in advance at kidzone.irvingbible.org. Contact Jodi Francis with questions: reengage@irvingbible.org. Recovery at IBC Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., the Commons Perfectionism, pride, overeating, shopping, anger, control...and you thought Recovery at IBC was just about drug, alcohol or sexual addiction!

ESL, Diversion de Verano Practica tu Ingles con nosotros: Agosto 11 - Noche Hawaiyana, 6:30 a 8:30. Para mas informacion el contacto es Lauren Menge, esl@ irvingbible.org (ella habla Espaol). ESL Summer Fun Practice your English with us: August 11 Hawaiian Luau, 6:308:30 p.m. For more information, contact Lauren Menge at esl@irvingbible.org. Ayuno Ayuno por la salud de nuestro Pastor Andy McQuitty y los enfermos de nuestra comunidad. Fasting Please join us as we fast one day a week for Pastor Andy McQuitty and all those who are sick in our community. Grupo de oracin (para nuestra iglesia) Lunes de 5-6 p.m. en el Boiler Room Prayer Group (for the church) Mondays, 5-6 p.m., the Boiler Room Chick-Lit en Espaol (solo mujeres) Agosto 17 Acompaanos a hablar de literatura en Espaol: La Voz dormida by Dulce Chaco. Leanlo y venganse listas para una tertulia literaria.
Para mas informacion: rosa_barrett24@sbcglobal.net. KidZone (cuidado de nios) esta disponible con reservacion a kidzone.irvingbible.org con por lo menos 48 horas de anticipacion.

Local Partnerships
Reaching the Community Special Delivery If you would like to help distribute backpacks to Mercy Street on August 21, please contact Jen at mercystreet@irvingbible.org.

Resources

Stuff People Need Car Care Ministry Back to School Car Evaluation Event August 14, 25 p.m., IBC Parking Lot Interested in volunteering or donating vehicles or supplies? Contact cars@irvingbible.org. Citizenship Class New Fall Semester Begins Wednesday, Sept. 1, 6:30 p.m. Join us for 12 sessions through December 15. If you would like to volunteer as a class leader, please contact Michael Larson at Michael.Larson@parago.com. ESL, Diversion de Verano Practica tu Ingles con nosotros: Agosto 11 - Noche Hawaiyana, 6:30 a 8:30. Para mas informacion el contacto es Lauren Menge, esl@irvingbible.org (ella habla Espaol). ESL Summer Fun Practice your English with us: August 11 Hawaiian Luau, 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information, contact Lauren Menge at esl@irvingbible.org. KidZone available by online pre-registration at least 48 hrs. in advance at kidzone.irvingbible.org.

Children

Infants Through 5th Grade Energetic? Creative? Patient? KidZone wants you! KidZone isnt childcare; its an event designed to minister to kids. We are currently looking for people to join our team of PAID teachers to minister to our preschoolers midweek. Please contact KidZone Directors Michelle Tibbatts (mtibbatts@irvingbible.org) or Tammy Hutchinson (thutchinson@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 K 5th

Community Life
Stitches of Faith Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., The Haven Want to learn something new this summer? We will be happy to teach you. We are knitting or crocheting 12 x 12 inch squares to make afghans for our soldiers. KidZone is now available by registration at least 48 hours in advance at kidzone.irvingbible. org. Contact Wendy Vera at msbabydragon@yahoo.com or (214) 533-2781.

Chick-Lit in Spanish August 17 Join us as we talk about literature in Spanish (the book: La Voz dormida by Dulce Chaco). Read it and come prepared for a fun literary chat.
For more information, contact rosa_barrett24@sbcglobal.net. KidZone is available by reservation at kidzone.irvingbible.org at least 48 hours in advance.

Seasoned Saints

For the Young at Heart (ages 55+) Dinner and a Play Thursday, August 12 6 p.m.: Dinner at Olive Garden on Hwy 183 just west of Irving Mall on Beltline 8 p.m.: ICT Mainstage Theater presents Sugar Potluck Lunch and Fellowship Sunday, August 15 Immediately following the second morning service in the Commons Annex adjoining the Haven. Bring a dish to share.
The Seasoned Saints Update is only available by e-mail. To receive it and other special announcements each month, send your e-mail address to Betty at bgroezinger@verizon.net. Please

Espaol

IBCMen

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 online at irvingbible. org. Translators needed.

Ministry to Men 2010 First Watch BBQ Kick-off August 24 First Watch starts September 10 See ad, pg. 21. First Watch Xtra Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m., Training Center Summer study: Twisted Truth by Andy Stanley
Visit men.irvingbible.org for info.

Zone 6:30* Zone 6:30 will resume in September after summer break.
*For more info contact Melissa Franke at mfranke@irvingbible.org.

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put Seasoned Saints in the subject line.

least 48 hours prior to the event.

Single-Parent Family
.
Community and Resources Single Parent Back to School Event See ad pg. 17. Family Lake Day Saturday, August 28 Join us for boating, swimming, fishing and a cookout. Register at singleparents.irvingbible.org and click the link for Family Lake Day. Family Lunch after Church August 8 & 22, 12 p.m. August 8: Baja Fresh August 22: Dickeys BBQ on Denton Tap in Coppell On Track Bible Community Sundays, 10:45 a.m.Noon, West C
If you have questions about any single-parent events, contact Marsha at (972) 560-4633, ext. 586 or at mtribbett@irvingbible.org.

New Moms Group: Square One starts September 30, 10 a.m.Noon See article, page 15.

2435 Kinwest

sign up for pre-paid events and receive your calendar for the coming year. Remember to register your kids for KidZone at kidzone. irvingbible.org at least 48 hours in advance. Questions? Contact the NICHE Board of Directors: texasniche06@gmail.com.

Wednesday Nights at IBC

Job Transition Workshop Wednesdays, 6:308 p.m. Get the inside scoop on resumes, networking, interviewing, job search and company research. One week will be for open discussion on other topics related to the job search and unemployment issues. Contact Lisa at 2435jobtransition@irvingbible.org.
Visit 2435kinwest.org for a list of other activities and ways to get involved.

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) 304-1783. IBC Crop Night Friday, August 20, 510 p.m., Training Center Join us for scrapbooking fun! Just bring your pictures, albums, and tools and lets crop. If you are 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 information, contact Nikki Heinemann at nikkiscraps@verizon.net.

IBC Saturday Crop August 21, 9 a.m.8 p.m., Training Center, FREE Its an All Day Saturday Crop Event! The room will be set up with large round tables so everyone should have plenty of space to scrap, crop, trim, stamp, organize, or work on whatever project seems appealing. For more information, please contact Nikki Heinemann at nikkiscraps@verizon.net. Hearing Assistance Hearing Assistance is available during all three worship services. You can stop by the Journey Lounge for instructions. New Arrivals Congratulations to the following families on the births of their children:
Brad and Tamra Thomas and their son Trey Joseph, born March 29, 7 lbs 5 oz, 20 inches Will and Heather Buffington and their son Michael William, born June 10, 9 lbs 14 oz, 22 inches Gordon and Julie Rhodes and their daughter Madeline Mae, born July 25, 6 lbs 6 oz, 19 inches

Miscellaneous Student Ministries

Middle & High School Sundays 6:458 p.m. 6-8th grade meets in The Commmons
9-12th grade meets in the High School Room

A Little Bit of Everything Baby Dedications September 19 (Registration dates: August 22-Sept. 7) It is always special when parents dedicate their children to God during an IBC worship service, committing to raise them in a godly home while the IBC community promises to support them.
To register, visit registration. irvingbible.org. There are a limited number of dedications during each service, so if you have a preference of service times, please register early. Photos of children being dedicated should be sent to Donna OReilly at doreilly@ irvingbible.org and received by September 12. Hard copies are also acceptable.

Wednesdays Join us each Wednesday to experience The W.

Bring $3 for a delicious meal and stay for fun, games, and relationships.

Mothering preschool children is tough.

Need some support? Thats why were here.
MOPS meets the 3rd Thursday of every month September 16 from 7-8:30 p.m. The Commons at Irving Bible Church Parenting preschoolers is a new challenge every day. Surviving this stage is a lot easier when you can rely on God, friends and mentors. But where can you find both biblical wisdom and community? MOPS is the answer. Join us for spiritual encouragement and the chance to connect with other moms and mentor moms who have been there and done that. For more info, visit www.a-movement-of-women.com or e-mail us at mops@irvingbible.org.

Please remember to pray for Ministry To Women

MOPS starts September 16, 78:30 p.m., The Commons See ad on this page. Sisterhood: From Alone to Known Womens Fall Bible Study, starts September 14 See article pg. 16. Wow Wednesday at The Tubes Wednesdays through August 18, 911 a.m., FREE See ad pg. 20. Chick Lit Tuesday, August 17, 78:30 p.m. See ad pg 20. KidZone available by reservation only. Register online at kidzone.irvingbible.org at

We

New Parent Orientation Parents wishing to dedicate their babies may attend an orientation on September 12 at 9 a.m. 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. NICHE (North Irving Christian Home Educators) Annual Ice Cream Social and SignUps, Tuesday, August 17, 6:30 p.m.,The Zone Bring the whole family! Register for the 20102011 calendar year,

Chatter | 19

Take a fabulous group of women. Add a really good book. Mix in some great conversation. Top it off with a sprinkling of coffee and chocolate, and you get Chick Lit. Come join us in the Mosaic Caf at IBC from 7-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 17 for a funfilled evening. The Book: Angry Conversations with God by Susan E. Isaacs. Jobless, loveless, and living over a garage, Susan knew only one thing to do when she hit rock bottom at age forty: she took God to marriage counseling. Come ready to discuss the laugh-out-loud funny memoirs of critically acclaimed author/comedienne Susan E. Isaacs. For more information, please contact Nila Odom at (972) 560-4633 ext. 576 or nodom@irvingbible.org. KidZone is available by reservation at least 48 hrs. in advance at kidzone.irvingbible.org.

Every Wednesday through August 18, 9-11 a.m., FREE Bring your preschool-age and elementary-age children to The Tubes each Wednesday and enjoy time with other parents and fun-filled activities such as: face painting, multi-colored hair spray, balloon animals, temporary tattoos and more. And dont miss an extra special WOW Wednesday at The Tubes every third Wednesday with additional hands-on age-appropriate activities in the Zone Jr. rooms.

Zone 6:30 is a great way for your K5th grade child to grow deeper in their spiritual walk. This small-group Bible study will meet your child right where they are while providing a fun environment for growing in Christ and making new friends.

Who: K5th Grade When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. every Tuesday starting September 14 Where: The Zone Fee: $25 per child (covers the cost of study guide, T-shirt, and various activities) Registration: Online registration starts August 17 For more information about registration, contact Melissa at mfranke@irvingbible.org.

Interested in getting involved? Zone 6:30 is now recruiting small group leaders. For more information about volunteer opportunities, contact Melissa Franke at mfranke@irvingbible.org.

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.

pledge allegiance.

Wednesday evenings, 6:308:30 p.m. September 15 - December 15 Where: West C/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.

IBCMen First Watch Kickoff BBQ August 24, 6:30 p.m. in the Commons
Featuring guest speaker Bob Sturm from Sportsradio 1310 The Ticket.

First Watch begins September 10 and 14

6:22 a.m. Fridays in the Commons or 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays in West C & D

men.irvingbible.org

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: Sept. 22, 67:30 in The Commons

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 mid-September and are always looking for singers to join our community. No audition required. We rehearse every Wednesday from 6:30-7:50 p.m. in The Alcove. For more information please contact director, Crystal Elwell, at celwell@irvingbible.org. Citizenship Class Leaders If you have a heart to minister to those seeking U.S. citizenship, we are looking for two to three volunteers to help lead our class. Contact Michael Larson at Michael.Larson@parago.com. Data Entry Volunteers Irving Interfaith Clinic is looking for volunteers to help in their clinic. No medical experience is necessary, just a willing heart to input information into their database. Please contact Lilly at info@irvinginterfaithclinic.org. Special Delivery If you would like to help distribute backpacks to Mercy Street on August 21, please contact Jen at mercystreet@irvingbible.org. Social media volunteer for Water Is Basic Interested in helping WIB leverage social media to help bring clean water to Africa? Contact Nichole at nichole@waterisbasic.org. Needed: men for mentoring Would you like to stand in the gap by mentoring a boy from an IBC single parent family? All it takes is a little time and a big heart. Contact or Marsha at (972) 560-4633 x586.

My Resources
Fill up a back-to-school backpack Pick up a list of supplies in the Town Square kiosk and give elementary kids in need a great start for the 2010 school year. Visit irvingbible. org for more information or contact jrobertson@irvingbible.org. Cartridge Recycling Reminder If you bring your cartridges to IBC to be recycled, please remember we cannot accept the following: 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. 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). Online Giving Option If you would find it more convenient to donate to the ministries of Irving Bible Church online, please visit give.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 (formerly known as L.I.F.E.) (30s,40s, 50s, all welcome), 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: 6:15 p.m.

The Point (20s singles), the High School Room Central Park (20s singles & couples), The Alcove Legacy Builders (all welcome), Zone Jr. 7 Middle School, 6:45 p.m., The Commons High School, 6:45 p.m., Student Ministries Area

Sunday Community Meals

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

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

8/1 8/8

Pizza and Awesome Salad Bar Chicken Fajitas Fiesta

JOURNEY

8/15 All-American hamburgers and brauts 8/22 Grilled chicken and veggies 8/29 Baked potatoes and special fixings
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

8/4

Lasagna, salad, bread sticks, dessert

8/11 Chicken breast sandwiches, baked beans, tater tots, dessert 8/18 Chopped BBQ beef sandwiches, pickle spears, coleslaw, chips, dessert 8/25 Baked potatoes with fixings, salad, dessert
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 and staffed it with folks we call Journey Guides. They are there to help you with your unique 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.

Chatter | 22

Were all meant to grow, to be in relationship and to join the mission. The Journey Lounge is a place to start.

The Sounds of Schoolishness

thrumming of what are correctly termed cicadas, but what my family, in honor of John the Baptist, called locusts. (Although we never ate them with honey. Or without.) Hear that? my dad would query my older brother and me. Thats the sound of school about to start.

It always started just after the Fourth of July. The incessant thrum-thrum-

nybrook abruptly ended when both sides decided no one wanted to wake up anybody before they went went. Perhaps my ambivalence towards primary and secondary education stemmed from my belief that I couldve compressed the entire 13-year slog into about three. While I may have missed a certain amount of socialization following such a plan, anyone who knew me in my twenties or thirties (which is now) could tell you whatever socialization I did receive didnt really take. My life is one long awkward stage. But now that Im on the far, far, far side of my school days (87 thinks theyre cool! 88 will never rule! When 89 is dead and gone, 1990 will party on!), I generally cant wait for school to resume. Theres just something about knowing book-learnin is afoot that puts a jingle in my jangle. Or, more precisely, my iJangle 4.0. Ill no longer have to fear the roving bands of 12-year-old trash can turner-overers that stalk my alley. The malls wont be swollen with gaggles of inappropriately bedazzled, hot-panted younguns. I wont have to worry about speed traps because the coppers will be gunning (only with radar, unfortunately) texters in school zones. But I also look forward to a new school year because, as a person of fatherly age, it is now my turn to harass the youthy youths of today. What, with their pants on the ground and hippity hop and spray-on tans and Twilight sagas and flibberty-gee, theyre ripe for the taunting. Also, they need to stay off my lawn. Seriously, kids, its chock full of fire ants. And pressure-sensitive sprinkler heads. That shoot lasers. Tiny lasers mounted atop even more fire ants. Honest. My eldest children, highly advanced though they are, will not be allowed into the kindergarten until 2013 (and into the Biebergarten never), at which time they will learn the true reason why Ive been feeding them paste since birth. A reason I will not disclose here lest they read the secret before the appointed time and set in the motion the rise of the Third Cyrus. They will also learn why dad hasnt been allowed to talk to the neighbor kids since 2009. It might have something to do with honey-seared locusts. Jason Fox can hear a pop quiz coming from 49 yards.

If you think thats a cruel statement for a father to make during the peak of summer fun, you think correctly. But as it was the cruelest thing my dad ever said to me, Ive let it slide all these years. Besides, he was right. It would only be a week or two later when the back-to-school ads for Toughskins, Trapper Keepers and other pseudo-implements of pseudo-education would break the joy of A-Team and Manimal reruns. Then the shopping would commence, new iron-on shirts would be purchased (the lone good thing about the encroaching internment) and before we knew it, we were back at the bus stop waiting for ol number 43 to rumble down Masterbrooke Drive. You would think (yeah, you would think, wouldnt you?) that I wouldve liked the return of school days, if for no other reason than that it heralded the arrival of Birthday Season. As in my birthday. Which is September 18 in case youd like to get me a Triumph Bonneville (dont tell my wife). Sure, I was always excited about my birthday. What kid isnt, aside from that weird boy up the street who kept feeding Pop Rocks and Diet Rite cola to woodchucks? But I did not equate another school year with birthday bounty. No, I reasoned that school should either wait until after my birthday to begin (yet before my brothers birthday a week later), or I should be able to legally change my birth date to August. Of course, I also once believed the world was black and white before the 1950s, so my logic may have been a touch off. Regardless, I was able to separate the two events in my mind: School bad, birthday good. I dont really even know why I disliked school so much. I was a good student. I rarely found myself on the wrong side of a shiv. And I only once ended up in a gang-related dance-off set to Wham tunes instead of Sondheim the don-

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.

Key to optical illusion on page 14.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled Idle Chatter.

Wham!s famous hit Wake Me Up Before You Go Go came from a typo in a note band member Ridgeley wrote to his parents: Dont forget to wake me up up before you go go, George. Since he accidentally wrote the word up twice, Ridgeley decided to compound the error and write go twice.

In 2007, a new version of Trapper Keeper featured a magnetic closure in place of the Velcro closure and a customizable front cover.

Chatter | 23

Ian Watts, engrossed in Chatter, reads as dog sledders run the Iditarod in the middle of the snow-covered wilderness outside Anchorage, Alaska.

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.