O Lord God Almighty,

as you have taught us to call the evening, the morning, and the noonday one day; and have made the sun to know its going down: Dispel the darkness of our hearts, that by your brightness we may know you to be the true God and eternal light, living and reigning for ever and ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

If I say, “Surely the darkness will cover me,

and the light around me turn to night,”

darkness is not dark to you, O Lord;

the night is as bright as the day;

darkness and light to you are both alike.

Psalm 139:11,12

Yours is the day, O God, yours also the night;

you established the moon and the sun.

You fixed all the boundaries of the earth;

you made both summer and winter.

Psalm 74:16,17

Seek him who made the Pleiades and Orion,

and turns deep darkness into the morning,

and darkens the day into night;

who calls for the waters of the sea

and pours them out upon

the surface of the earth:

The Lord is his name.

Amos 5:8

Chatter | 3

LIFE

AS CHRISTIANS WHO ARE ADVENT PEOPLE just as much as we are Christmas people, it’s natural for us to acknowledge the darkness of our world. And not just acknowledge it, but to both fixate on it and fight it tooth and nail. We struggle with it until dawn, like Jacob. And meanwhile, we’re straining to see the light; our eyes squint in the shadows, trying to perceive the coming Advent: Jesus Christ, light-giver, dawn-breaker. We’re looking for God of the light to come, but often we forget he’s God of the shadows, too. The darkness is not his doing, but it is his domain.

The other day my daughter was walking along the sidewalk and found the smallest roly-poly you’ve ever seen. This was a micro-poly and she loved its little-ness and giggled as its almost-non-existent legs glided over her palm. Madeline herself is a tiny version of her kindergarten counterparts; a 6th-percentiler. I call her Teensy. A teensy girl for a teensy bug. A girl made small who loves small things. And when I think of Jesus coming into the darkness, I think of the mud and soot and shadow in which he wrapped himself to relate to us, his nocturnal creatures.

He was not deterred by our sin. He was not put off by our bad spiritual hygiene. He descended into hell only after descending into earth, which probably wasn’t much further. And while he wept in anguish over our death and hard-heartedness, Jesus made an art of not fighting the darkness, per se, but of subverting it. Using it to make the light brighter. Like Caravaggio or Rembrandt, who used both the extreme dark and light of “chiaroscuro” in their art, Jesus came to black earth not to repaint it an all-bright canvas, but to give its darkness depth and dimension and meaning. His coming was a little crack in the door of what’s to come — a little light to read by, eat by, see by, until the day when he will wipe away every tear from our eyes and there will no longer be any night. So at Christmas, by all means, let’s try to imagine the blinding light of that day. The vision of it is so bright for me sometimes, it’s hard to see any other heavenly details by it. Too much light can be more blinding than too much darkness. We don’t have eyes to see what’s next. Not yet.

But maybe it’s possible here on earth to see just enough by the warm Christ-candle. Maybe if we stop fighting what we cannot change, we will be able to sit in the glow with a meal and with friends, and know the sun is coming, and maybe put a light in the window for weary travelers who pass our door. Perhaps we stop with the fixating — no more fixating on the dark; only rapt attention on how the light makes shapes and forms out of it. Let’s clap our eyes on the outlines of people and bread and bowls and tables — the shapes the light begins to differentiate out from the pure black. Sure, the room hasn’t been bathed in ultraviolet radiance

— not yet — but at least now it’s a perceivable room, an actual place, a real context. Suddenly, the un-dimensional black has a foreground and a background, a place where you can start to get your bearings.

Christmas has many grand descriptions, but maybe a simpler one is a place to get your bearings. Because of Christmas, we have a savior who sits in semi-darkness with us, showing us where to reach for our cup and where our fork is and who is sitting right there at our elbow. If advent is a time to wait for the light, Christmas is a time to accept what light has been given. Its warmth, its comfort, its goodness, its glow — can be enough, for now.

a letter from ChatterEditor Julie Rhodes

Art Direction, Design & Goodness Josh Wiese, Lindsey Sobolik, JD Lemming

Admin Extraordinaire Victoria Andrews

Pastor to Hashtags Scott McClellan, Communications Pastor

Photography Evan Chavez (Photo Update)*

Writers Andy McQuitty (A Why in a Manger)** Jodie Niznik (Why Galatians)** Jason Fox (Mo’ Myrrh, Mo’ Problems)*

Editorial Assistance/Proofing Summer Alexander*, Annie Stone*

Thoughts, comments, ideas? Contact Chatter at chatter@irvingbible.org.

Need Chatter Digitally? Chatter is on the web at irvingbible.org/chatter.

Are you a media socialite? Like Chatter on Facebook. It’s so likeable.

*Most beloved and indispensable Chatter Volunteer.

**Most beloved and indispensable IBC staff member/elder.

Roly-Polys can live up to three years.

HISTORY

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TEXAS

TOMFOOLERY

LANGUAGE

GENERAL

FOOD

CULTURE

CHATTER FACT ICON KEY

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GEOGRAPHY

REMINDER December 28 will be a family-friendly worship service at IBC. Children’s Ministry will be available for nursery only. Questions? Contact children@irvingbible.org.

Chatter | 4

From birth to toilet training, the average baby goes through about 8,000 diaper changes.

For believers in Jesus Christ at Christmas, it is easy to ascertain he is the Son of God — by great cathedrals soaring to his glory, great literature inspired by his goodness, and great music evoked by his power. The world may smirk when Christians affi rm Jesus’ deity, but to those who believe, it’s a self-evident fact.

What’s often hard for believers is not that Jesus is the Son of God, but that he is the Son of Man; not that he’s divine, but that he’s also human. It’s just hard for us to picture him as a boy, scraping his knee and running with his buddies and living in a family with at least one kid brother! But he did, and that’s the greatest mystery and surprise of Christmas — not the fact that God came, but the way that he came — as a real human child. The angel described it this way to the shepherds:

“This will be a sign to you: You will fi nd a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12).

A Why in a Manger

Chatter | 5

Bread was a form of currency to the ancient Egyptians.

When the angel speaks of “the sign,” he uses a word that refers to a super-natural sign from God that no one could miss, like parting the Red Sea or walking on water. Those events are “signs” that the God of the universe has intervened in human history. And that’s why verse 12 is so unusual. “This will be the sign.” We would expect the next sentence to read, “The moon will turn to blood and the stars will spell out his name.” But the sign of God’s arrival? A wrapped child in a horse trough! Thus our natural tenden-cy to miss the meaning of the manger:

Sweet little Jesus boy, born long time ago. Sweet little holy child, we didn’t know who you was. Didn’t know you’d come to save us, Lord, to take our sins away. Our eyes were blind, we couldn’t see. We didn’t know who you was. (Robert MacGimsey,, Sweet Little Jesus Boy)

We didn’t know him, because we missed the sign. But let’s not keep missing it! Let’s break down and understand the angel’s sign: “a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

A BABY. This Greek word means “an infant” or a “newborn child.” It is a totally ordinary word used to describe the birth of an ordinary child. Even though we speak of the virgin birth, let’s remember that the real miracle occurred at the moment of conception nine months earlier. Jesus’ physical birth was just like yours or mine. So he started out as a real baby — watching his own hand in amazement, not understanding grown-up words, needing to be changed and fed and washed and cared for just like any other baby. The God who said, “Let there be light” also said, “ga-ga!” As Augustine wrote:

“Maker of he sun, He is made under the sun. In the Father he remains. From his mother he goes forth. Creator of heaven and earth, He was born on earth under heaven. Unspeakably wise, He is wisely speechless. Filling the world, He lies in a manger. Ruler of the stars, He nurses at his mother’s bosom. He is both great in the nature of God, and small in the form of a servant” (Saint Augustine of Hippo).

What does this mean? That Jesus relates to your struggles.

If you have two pianos together and strike a note on one, that same note will gently sound on the other even though it is not touched. This is called “sympathetic resonance.” Because Jesus was born and raised as a human like us, when a chord is struck in the weakness of our heart, it

“sympathetically resonates” in his. There is no note of grief, loneliness, disappointment, anxiety, sorrow, heartache, or suff ering that can be struck in your heart that he does not understand. Because Jesus was born like us, he understands us!

Hebrews 2:17-18 confi rms this:

“For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suff ered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”

WRAPPED IN CLOTHS.So Jesus was born a baby, and he was also “wrapped in cloths.” In that day, newborn babies were wrapped in strips of cloth to protect them from the harsh elements. Mothers would wrap the arms and legs separately and

then wrap the torso until the baby looked liked an Egyptian mummy. This severely restricted the child’s movements, but in a world where babies routinely died before their fi rst birthday, it was a way to provide a crude kind of protection.

Have you ever wondered what it must have been like for Christ to come as a baby? From the total freedom of divinity, he assumed the total vulner-ability of a newborn child. He went from chasing comets and sight-seeing among the nebulae to a cramped cave where his once-free arms and legs were tied up like a calf in a rodeo. From Universal Potentate, he descended to the status of a prisoner, wrapped in cloths.

What does the binding of baby Jesus portend? Years later he would stand before the Jewish authorities bound and guarded like he was a common criminal. When falsely accused, he made no reply. When reviled, he refused to answer in kind. He stood before his accusers with his hands and feet shackled, awaiting the verdict that would end his life. It is no coincidence that he entered the world as he left it — bound and helpless. His swaddling clothes had prophesied his bonds at execution. A “why” in a manger? Jesus was bound for us to redeem us. He gave his life to purchase life for us. The bound baby points to the work of a suff ering Savior!

LYING IN A MANGER.So the angel’s sign was a baby, swaddled, and “lying in a manger.” The word

“manger” means something like a stable or perhaps a feeding-trough. It would have been a handy resting place for a newborn, strewn with hay and elevated above the fi lthy fl oor. But like the coming of Messiah as a baby and his binding in swaddling clothes, I don’t believe any detail of Christ’s birth narrative is without deep signifi cance. Neither is this one. That Jesus was born and immediately occupied a space designed to dispense life-giving sustenance is not accident.

Later, Jesus would declare:

“I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35).

So Jesus Christ is “bread” to us. Jesus is the bread of life. In what sense? I believe in the sense that he taught us the truth of God, which brings the hope of God, which is the food of the soul. Jesus provides food for our souls in the promises he’s made. Afraid of death? He’s defeated it. Burdened with care? Cast your cares on him. Afraid of loneliness? He will never leave or forsake you. Disgusted with sin? He is faithful and just to forgive you your sin and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness.

It is an important thing that we do something with the “why’s” of the man-ger. Jesus came to such a God-forsaken world in such a humiliating way to show us that the Savior understands, the Savior redeems, and the Savior feeds. Gloriously then, we affi rm — especially at Christmas — that Jesus is the Son of God and that he is the Son of Man! When we do, not only is this a sign to us, but to the whole world.

The only thing Andy McQuitty loves better than riding his Harley when it’s warm is riding his Harley when it’s cold.

Andy is IBC’s senior pastor, and Elder Board member.

Chatter | 6

I became a Christian the summer I turned 13. I had never attended

church, so I had no context for my new faith. I misconstrued God to be a big, bossy judge in the sky who was just waiting for me to trip up. And trip up I did — over and over. Certain these “trip ups” meant he crossed his arms, sighed loudly and swiveled his back to me, I would start to negotiate. I would beg him to take me back and would make all kinds of unattainable promises to “do better next time.” Of course, my “doing better” never lasted long.

I would trip up again, renegotiate, trip up, renegotiate. Because of my sad misunderstanding of God, it felt like a horribly unhealthy relation-ship. So, I gave up. I walked away at 15 and then again at 19. But that didn’t work either. There was always a deep longing and emptiness in my soul that I could not ignore.

Finally, at 20 years old, I met some people who had a “healthy” relation-ship with the Lord. It was quickly ob-vious that they weren’t shouldering the same burden I was. They weren’t making their faith contingent upon their actions; rather, they were letting their actions fl ow from their faith. They also exuded joy — the complete opposite of what I knew in my relationship with the Lord.

The more time I spent with them, the more I started to learn some es-sential truths about God’s uncondi-tional love for me. But there was still a nagging sense of guilt that I was always letting him down. I believed he loved me because he had to, not because he wanted to.

My basic problem was that I didn’t know how to live out my relation-ship with God. I knew I was sup-posed to live diff erently, but since I didn’t know how, I just mimicked what I saw others doing. The actions weren’t necessarily wrong, but the motivation was. I was still jump-ing through hoops in hopes I would please God.

It wasn’t until a few years later, when I took an intensive class at my church, that I started to understand the truths of living by the grace of God instead of the Law of God. These truths seeped into my heart and ultimately transformed my rela-tionship with the Lord. I was fi nally set free from my burden of trying to do things to please God. And then a beautiful thing started to happen. Instead of serving God and others out of fear or obligation, I started serving out of love, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Funny thing is, to the outside observer, things looked exactly the same. I was doing many of the same things. But the motivation had completely changed. My interior life was dramatically diff erent. I was transformed. My actions fl owed out of love.

This study on Galatians comes out of my life-changing experience in that class years ago. The Galatians were dealing with the same issues I had dealt with. Outsiders had come in to impose rules and regulations on their faith and they weren’t sure what to do. Paul responds with this life giving, freedom-bringing letter. Jesus has released us to live full lives of love.

So why now, you ask? Because there is no time like the present to em-brace the freedom Jesus died to give us. One more day living in guilt and bondage is one more day too many. We hope you’ll join us on this free-dom journey. You have been released; it’s time to start living like it. 

Jodie Niznik loves dark chocolate and strong coff ee. She does NOT, however, like coming up with pithy bylines. (Stick with the sweets, Jodie. We’ll take it from here.)

Jodie is IBC’s Pastor to Women.

Galatia was named for the ancient Gauls, or Celts, who settled there in the 3rd century B.C. So, basically, Galatia is Irish. #PastorAndy

The word emancipation stems from “ex manus capere” — to “detach

from the hand.”

This spring, Women at IBC begins a new study on the book of Galatians. IBC Pastor to Women, Jodie Niznik, refl ects on her personal journey towards freedom and why Galatians invites us to do the same.

Why Galatians and Why Now?

Chatter | 7

by Jodie Niznik

Jesus has set you free. Yet, many of us don’t feel free. We feel bound by guilt and shame — certain our mishaps and mistakes discredit us before God. But if Jesus died on the cross for our sins, didn’t he die for those things, too? Join us as we dig into Galatians to discover what it really means to be set free by Jesus.

Date: January –April , (not meeting March and due to spring break)

Time: :-: a.m. or :-: p.m.

Location: � e Commons, IBC

Cost: (includes workbook)

For more information and to register visit irvingbible.org/women.

KidZone registration is also available. Registration closes on January 4 at noon or earlier if full.

SPRING 2016 BIBLE STUDY

Chatter | 8

BACK IN OLDEN DAYS (before 1972 for reasons that make me middle-aged), Christmas shopping was relatively easy. The postman hauled the Sears Wish Book to your house, your kids tore out what they wanted and taped the pictures to the dog, you bought a few of said items along with socks. If you were Dad, you bought Mom some Prince Match-abelli and the expensive vacuum cleaner. If you were Mom, you got Dad bridge mix. You might buy gifts for grandparents or the odd cousin who just had a baby. At most, you’d get something for the postman out respect for his Wish Book haulin’ tenacity and herni-ated disk. But it was all so easy. So simple. So not challenging.

In today’s world, even a would-be rejecter of commercialized Christ-mas balderdash feels compelled to purchase tokens of love and potpourri for any person with whom one has had contact over the previous 365 days or 36 years if you’re Facebook “friends.” And nowhere does such a cluster of would-be recipients exist than at church. Sure, you could bake your famous peanut butter chocolate chip mint fudge cookies for every-one, but let’s be honest – if it’s the thought that counts, you didn’t put much thought into that one. (FYI, I will gladly accept any and all nut-free cookies you decide not to give to your other brothers and sisters in Christ as I believe it’s the effort that counts and not the calo-ries.) So what to do, what to do? If only some kind of gift giving guide for church folk existed. Hey, look, here’s one now.

LEAD PASTOR A Ryrie Study or Schofield Reference Bible in the trans-lation of your choice (as long as it’s KJV) pre-filled by you with inspired annotations to help your anointed shepherd overcome some of his minor-ish doctrinal errors.

ASSOCIATE PASTOR While you’re not in a position to give a promotion, you can still help your AP move from benchwarmer to pulpit master with a subscription to ChurchStaffing.com.

HEAD DEACON The traditional jar of nutmeg-scented toupee glue says you understand the importance of traditions and will never give in to the contemporary allure of pumpkin spice.

REGULAR DEACONS For those driven to serve, a lovely, homemade pie. For those driven to lead, a 1950s-era fruitcake.

ELDERS Pre-printed business cards that explain the differences between deacons and elders. Shop early as Mardel usually runs out on Black Friday.

GOVERNING BOARD Nothing. They haven’t had a meeting since 1988 after realizing the deacons and elders pretty much had everything covered.

YOUTH PASTOR For the 35-year-old leader of tomorrow’s, um, leaders who just can’t resist bro-speak and skinny jeans, an Oprah-style makeover featuring an adult hairstyle and grown-up shoes.

ELEMENTARY KIDS PROGRAM DIRECTOR A subscription to the Red-Bull-of-the-Month Club and pre-enrollment on the donor heart recipient list.

YOUR KIDS’ SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS A 500-count bottle of ibuprophen, a version of the Serenity Prayer inscribed in fine chocolate, and

a promissory note guaranteeing them ownership of whatever rewards you may receive on the other side.

SMALL-GROUP LEADER A new fondue pot and a self-published copy of “The Prayer Warriors Thesaurus” so you’ll only have to hear the phrases

“Father God,” “come alongside” and “lift up” once a quarter.

PARKING LOT ATTENDANTS Full-body, hunter-orange jumpsuits with LED light piping and the promise to take care of their loved ones when Deacon Turnbuckle still fails to see them.

GREETERS One case each of Clorets and Purell. All can hand out both. Some to one another.

USHERS An augmented reality app that automatically highlights empty spots in the pews, a new iPhone to run the app on and a rent-a-nephew to explain it all.

MUSIC DIRECTOR (TRADITIONAL) Original manuscript of “It is Well with My Soul” lyrics written by Horatio Spafford on stationery from the Brevoort House hotel.

MUSIC DIRECTOR (CONTEMPO-RARY) Original lyrics to that one song K-Love keeps playing written on a mildly used Starbucks napkin.

CHOIR MEMBERS (TRADITIONAL) Gift cards to Roy’s House of Robes Dry Cleaners & Portable Confessional Rentals.

WORSHIP TEAM (CONTEMPO-RARY) Jeggings that are two sizes too big to avoid being a stumbling block.

ORGANIST (UBER-TRADITIONAL) Convince the music director to allow an annual playing of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor that isn’t the Sunday before Halloween.

LONG-HAIRED FREAKY SOUNDBOARD OPERATOR The dude who knows to crank the bass to eleven on “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” deserves nothing less than an autographed cassette single of Tesla’s “Signs.”

POWERPOINT GRAPHICS ARTIST Cookie cutters.

PRAYER ROOM STAFF “The Prayer-ful Stranger’s Guide to Winning Spiri-tual Battles Fifteen Minutes at a Time” (pamphlet version), and baby monitors to remind them they could be working in the nursery.

NURSERY STAFF Communion juice recently discovered behind the baptis-tery that has probably been there since 1974. Because, you know, it’s “aged.”

BAPTISTERY ATTENDANTS Thicker robes and quarterly visits from a hyp-notist to help them forget what cannot be unseen.

LAY SECURITY FORCE New Ray-Ban Wayfarers and the latest in holy light-ning technology, the Sword of Gideon XXL Taser. Or if that’s too spendy, cool codenames.

AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER You may have no idea if she’s repeating the pastor’s words verbatim or trying to sell Shakeology, you just know she always gives it her all. And for that she deserves a Ther-mawrap, wrist braces and an industri-al-sized vat of Icy Hot from Costco (or Sam’s Club if you’re Presbyterian).

SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE MINISTRY SERVERS Gold.

I realize that you, dear reader, may not wish to give a gift to every person listed here. Nor may you even be aware that some of these people even exist within your church. And maybe they don’t. I live in Nebraska. But if they do, you can now show your gratitude for the giving of their time, talent and treasure in service to you and our Lord in ways both suspect and sometimes quite expensive, but always appreciated. Maybe. Merry Christmas.

Jason Fox believes that Santa prefers donuts.

Jason writes from Omaha, Nebraska, because God invented humor.

The first Sears Catalog was sent out in 1888, and featured only watches and jewelry.

The original Ray-Ban prototype had green-tinted lenses and was made of plastic.

Chatter | 9

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Christmas Eve ServicesDecember 24, 3:30 & 5 p.m., � e Wor� � Center

IBC will celebrate the birth of Christ w� h two iden� cal candlelight services. � e services include � ecial moments for � ildren, including Pastor Andy reading a Christmas sto� book.

KidZone available for � ildren born Sept. 2012 and later. Register at irvingbible.org⁄kidzone.

� e Light has Come!

DECEMBER 12, 3 P.M., DOWNTOWN GRAPEVINE

Join the IBC Band down in the Christmas Capital of Grapevine, TX for the IBC Band’s Rockin’ Christmas Road Show. This is a great time to come together, sing festive songs, enjoy the Christmas spirit, and hang out with your neighbors.

Questions? Contact Darcy Peterson at dpeterson@irvingbible.org.

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Chatter | 10

UPCOMING

DecemberDECEMBER 5

Special Needs at IBC Christmas Party 11 a.m.–1 p.m. — The ZoneMore info at irvingbible.org/specialneeds.

DECEMBER 6

Partner Pines BeginsSee ad, pg. 12.

Small Groups Registration ClosesSee ad, pg. 12.

Don’t Waste Your Summer12:30 p.m. — West ASee ad, pg. 13.

DECEMBER 8

Rejoice — 6:30 p.m.See ad, this page.

DECEMBER 12

IBC Band’s Rockin’ Christmas Roadshow — 3:30 p.m.See ad, pg. 9.

Christmas Mall for kids in single-parent families — The CommonsSee ad, pg. 13.

Writer’s Workshop — 10 a.m.West CJoin a community of people honing their writing

skills. For more info contact Donna at doreilly@

irvingbible.org

DECEMBER 13

Partner Pines EndsSee ad, pg. 12.

DECEMBER 24

IBC Christmas Eve ServicesSee ad, pg. 9.

DECEMBER 27

Family Worship ServicesAll services will be family-friendly. Children’s ministry

will only be available for children born January 2012

and after.

JANUARY 8

First Watch KickoffVisit irvingbible.org/firstwatch.

JANUARY 11

MHGA Family Grace GroupA support group for family and caregivers of those

with serious mental illness. More info at irvingbible.

org/hopeandhealing.

MHGA Living Grace GroupA support group for those who suffer with mental

illness. More info at irvingbible.org/hopeandhealing.

JANUARY 12

Women’s Spring Bible Study KickoffSee ad, pg. 7.

JANUARY 13

FPU BeginsFor those looking for financial freedom. More info at

irvingbible.org/fpu.

JANUARY 17

Marriage at IBC KickoffSee ad, pg. 13.

A Christmas Celebration for Women

A winter night of wonder and warmth — with a purpose. Rejoice invites you to ring in the season of Christ-with-us while supporting African women in their fi ght for recovery. Enjoy a myriad of desserts, breathtaking decorations, and a worshipful Christmas service with artist Jenny Simmons.

A portion of ticket sales will benefi t IBC partner ALARM and the Women’s Leadership Institute in D.R. Congo.

cost: $15

register: Visit irvingbible.org/women or the kiosk every Sunday in November.

kidzone: Register online by December 1.

questions: Email Amy at aaupperlee@irvingbible.org.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 6:30-9 P.M.

January

SUNDAY COMMUNITY MEALS

6 p.m. — Town SquareMeals are $3 per person or $10 max./family.

12/6 Pizza, breadsticks, salad bar

12/13 Beef fajitas, chips and salsa

12/20 No meal. Merry Christmas!

12/27 No meal. Happy New Year!

If you’d like to serve on a Sunday night meal team, contact Pat O’Reilly at (214) 289-6176 or sun-daynightmeal@irvingbible.org.

WEDNESDAY MIDWEEK MEALS5–6:20 P.M.

Cost is $3/meal or $10 max./family. PB&J sandwiches are also available.

12/2 Pizza, salad, and dessert. Hosted by the Holiday team.

12/9 Hamburgers with all the fixins’, chips, salad, pickle spears, dessert. Hosted by the Holiday team.

12/16 No meal.

12/23 No meal. Merry Christmas!

12/30 No meal. Happy New Year!

Changes to the menu may be made depending on food cost, availability, and Bob Downey’s whim.

If you’d like to serve on a Wednes-day night meal team, please email bdowney@irvingbible.org.

CUPPA HOURS

Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–8 p.m.

Saturday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

BIBLE COMMUNITIESGroups on Sunday

Synergy9 a.m. — The AlcoveAll Welcome

The Tree9 a.m. — West D20s & 30s, married & young families

Crossroads10:45 a.m. — West CCouples & Families late 20s to 40s

Journey10:45 a.m. — The AlcoveAll Welcome

On Track10:45 a.m. — Conference RoomSingle Parents

Thrive10:45 a.m. — West DSingles in their 30s & 40s

Renew10:45 a.m. — Training CenterAll Welcome

Legacy Builders6:45 p.m. — West A — All Welcome

CHILDRENInfants Through 5th Grade

Children’s Sunday Services9 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 5 p.m.

Elementary MidweekBegins January 6, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Kids connect with friends and explore God’s word through small groups, food, fun! Visit irvingbible.org/elementarymidweek.

HOPE & HEALINGCommunity Care

Abortion Recovery CounselingContact Kym at (972) 560-4632 or kyeichner@irvingbible.org.

Recovery at IBCThursdays, 6:30–8:30 p.m. West Wing Youth LoungeA group for hurts, habits, and hangups. irvingbible.org/recovery.

Living Grace GroupFor those with mental illness. Contact Heath at heathmurry@yahoo.com.

Family Grace GroupFor families/caregivers of those with mental illness. Contact Buzz Moody at myrabuzz@gmail.com.

NAMI Family-to-Family ClassContact Joey at joey@netbreezeinc.com or Debra at eumoore@yahoo.com.Stephen Ministry at IBC One-on-one ministry for hurting people. Contact stephenministry@irvingbible.org or call (972) 560-4636.

Spousal Abuse RecoveryContact kyeichner@irvingbible.org.

MARRIAGEGrowing Together

Marriage at IBC Contact bmassey@irvingbible.org.

Pre-Marriage Mentoring Visit irvingbible.org/marriage.

MENCommunity and Resources

First WatchFridays, 6:22 a.m. — The CommonsJoin us Jan. 8 for the spring kickoff.

First Watch ReplayTuesdays, 6:30 p.m.Training CenterContact brianarrington1@yahoo.com.

First Watch Xtra Wednesday, 6:30 a.m.Training CenterContact bcope@huntoil.com.

Visit irvingbible.org/men.

MISSIONLocal and Global

Prayer Meeting2nd and 4th Wednesdays6:45-8 p.m. — The Chapel

Laundry LoveFirst Saturday of the month 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Contact laundrylove@irvingbible.org.

New Friends New LifeServe dinner to women healing from sexual exploitation (every third Wednesday). Contact Christine at newfriendsnewlife@irvingbible.org.

SINGLE PARENTSCommunity and Resources

Sit with us on Sunday!9 a.m. service, lowest right-hand section, Rows 5 & 6, facing the stage. Visit irvingbible.org/singleparents.

SPECIAL NEEDSCommunity & Care

Small Group for MomsSundays, 9–10:15 a.m.

In His Image Bible StudySundays, 6:30–7:45 p.m

Small Group for ParentsWednesdays, 6:30–8 p.m.

SonShine Pals and RoomCare during Sunday ministry.

Contact specialneeds@irvingbible.org.

STUDENTSMiddle/High School and College

Middle School SundaysSundays — 10:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.The Commons

High School SundaysSundays, 6:45–8 p.m. Student Ministries area

High School MidweekWednesdays, 6–8:30 p.m.Join us for Bible study and community. See website for location and schedule

Middle School, The WWednesdays, 6:30 p.m.Next Gen Area Join us for a time of friendships and teaching.

2435 KINWEST Wednesday Nights at IBC

2435 Kinwest will kickoff on January 6.

IBC ChoirWednesdays, 7–8:30 p.m.IBC Worship CenterContact Crystal at celwell@irvingbible.org.

ESL: English as a Second LanguageWednesdays, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Haven B, C, D

Citizenship ClassWednesdays, 6:30–8:30 p.m.IBC Conference Room

IBC Career Transition MinistryWednesdays, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Microsoft Computer SkillsWednesdays, 6:30–8:30 p.m.The Training Center

Visit 2435kinwest.org.

ONGOING MEALS

SMALL GROUPS AT IBC have always been about cultivating deep relationships that advance the kingdom of God in dark places. If you’re not currently involved in a small group, please pray about signing up.

And while you’re at it, please pray about facilitating a small group. The process is simple, but the commitment to love and serve your brothers and sisters may well be the big-gest challenge of your Christian life. If you’re interested in taking the challenge, please email Katie at kgeurin@irvingbible.org.

Winter Session runs January 3–March 12. Registration deadline is December 6. To sign up, visit irvingbible.org/smallgroups.

Each Christmas, IBC sets out to bless its Partners, Missionaries and Global Family with practical resources and timely encouragement. Want to help out? Visit the tables in Town Square to learn more.Other questions? Contact Lauren or Tricia at missions@irvingbible.org.

Saturday, December 12 9 a.m.–12 p.m. in The Commons

An annual tradition, the IBC Christmas Mall is an event where kids in single-parent families prepare for Christmas! Kids enjoy a fabulous breakfast, shop for two loved ones, wrap gifts, decorate cards and cook-ies, and make an unforgettable Christmas memory. Everything is free.

Parents, please register your kids online at irvingbible.org/singleparents. This event is for children 5 years and older. Questions? Contact mtribbett@irvingbible.org.

for kids in single-parent families

Don’t Waste Your Summer Kickoff & Lunch December 6, 12:30 p.m. in West A

Parents, bring your students (who are current 6-12 grade) to hear about all of the opportunities for Summer 2016.

We will roll out plans for mission trips and summer camps as well as discuss other areas of service such as VBS.

Need more info? irvingbible.org/students

Volunteer: Be a “Santa’s Helper” for this merry event! Contact Marsha at mtribbett@irvingbible.org or at (972) 560-4653.

Whether your marriage is sinking, coasting along, or going full-throttle, every marriage needs some TLC.Marriage at IBC is a fun 10-week course that focuses on the big picture of marriage as well as practical application in the every-day-life struggles of marriage. While we cover important topics like communication and conflict, in-laws, fun and connected-ness, finances, and sex, we don’t go through a single class without laughing and having a great time. The class format is a speaker for a weekly topic followed by small group time.

Marriage at IBC Begins January 17, 9 a.m., The Commons Registration begins online in December: irvingbible.org/marriage

Already in an IBC small group? Any existing IBC small groups are welcome and able to participate, and will receive all of the Marriage at IBC resources and any level of support they desire.

Chatter | 14

The Egyptians invented the fi rst breath mint. It was a combination of myrrh, cinnamon, frankincense, and honey.

HOW DO I GIVE?

My Time, Talents & SkillsMain Place DonationsIBC Partner, The Main Place, needs NEW pillows and towels of all sizes; pillowcases/sheets; girls deodorant; nylon loofahs; manicure sets; cotton balls; q-tips. Drop off all new donations in the box marked The Main Place in IBC’s Donation Center. Contact Pam at themainplace.irvingbible.org.

Main Place VolunteersIf you have skills with electrical, plumbing, construction. HVAC, etc the Main Place in Irving could use some maintenance help. Contact Pam at themainplace@irvingbible.org.

Meal Team VolunteersIBC makes meals available both Sunday and Wednesday nights. These fun teams could use some additional volunteers to serve together. For Sundays, contact sundaynightmeal@irvingbible.org. For Wednesdays, contact bdowney@irvingbible.org.

Medical Professionals NeededOur 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 cpierce@2435clinic.org.

Mentor Kids in Single-Parent FamiliesMen and women are needed for gender-specifi c mentoring of children from single-parent families. Contact Marsha at mtribbett@irvingbible.org.

Safety Team Do you have a desire to serve and protect oth-ers? Contact Christopher Watkins at cwatkins@irvingbible.org. Please include any credentials and relevant experience.

Visitor Follow-Up Team (Rex Greenstreet Ministry)We are looking for a volunteer to make calls or send welcome emails (or both) to new visitors from IBC. Training and coaching will be provided. Contact Sherri at ssharp@irvingbible.org.

My ResourcesOnline Giving OptionIf you would fi nd it more convenient to donate to the ministries of Irving Bible Church online, visit irvingbible.org/give.

Year-End Giving and 2015 Tax Tips The IBC fi nancial team has compiled a list of tips for making charitable donations as the 2015 fi scal year closes. Learn about tax deductions, the benefi ts of stock contributions, tracking receipts, and more. Visit irvingbible.org/give.

FIND A PLACE TO SERVEYou’ve come a long way since that fi rst breath mint. You’ve been busy worshipping, learning, relating, and committing. And it’s 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.

JOIN IN WORSHIPSo you found the address, a place to park, and a breath mint on the way in. Good work! If you’re reading this, you’ve probably already taken the fi rst step — attending a worship service. This is the fi rst and most important place to start, so keep coming. Become a regular. Make sure to fi ll 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.

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

CHECK OUT THE NEWCOMER GATHERINGSo you’re kicking the IBC tires? Good! We’re so glad you’re 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: January 21

SIGN UP FOR PROPELAll right! You’re 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 fi t in. Meet many of our pastors and directors of ministries at IBC. Next Propel: February 7–28

JOIN A COMMUNITYYou’re fi ring on all cylinders but something is missing. And that something is a someone, or a group of someones. Enter sermon-based Small Groups, Women’s Bible Study, First Watch, and more. We encourage you to fi nd a group and connect authentically with others. Visit irvingbible.org/adults.

Start

HOW DO I GET CONNECTED AT IBC?

FOR MORE INFO, VISIT IRVINGBIBLE.ORG/CONNECT OR LOOK FOR THE NEWCOMER GUIDES AT THE INFORMATION DESK.

O gracious light, pure brightness of the

everliving Father in heaven, O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed! Now

as we come to the setting of the sun, and

our eyes behold the vesper light, we sing your praises, O God:

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You are worthy

at all times to be praised by happy voices, O

Son of God, O Giver of Life, and to be glorified through all the worlds.

The Book of Common Prayer

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; whoever follows me

will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12