I started attending Irving Bible Church (IBC) when I was in preschool. I remember hoping down the hallways of the Adventure Zone as a kangaroo (every preschool classroom was assigned an animal). I remember being in Zone Junior, and always having an unusual love for the purple classroom, probably because it seemed like the biggest classroom to my small eyes. I remember graduating to the Zone, and earning “zone bucks” to use at the cafe in the back of the zone area.
I remember The Jewel of the Nile themed vacation bible school (VBS), and excepting Christ as my savior in the sanctuary that summer. I remember I could not wait to be in the 4th grade, so that I could join Shout Out, and help lead worship (I did that for 5 years). I remember starting the 5th grade, and being baptized by pastor Andy all within the same few weeks. I remember the clothes that I wore for the baptism video that was made, and I remember the clothes that I wore when I was baptized. I remember an IBC middle school retreat at Pine Cove that forever impacted my life.
I remember years and years of me running like a wild child playing through the church, and being ecstatic when The Tubes finally opened (that was a game changer)! I remember Wednesday Nights of Excite Night, leading worship for the Adventure Zone, eating dinner with friends, and watching my mom perform as Mrs. F on stage. I even have a memory of “Big” Church being held in The Commons while the now sanctuary was being built.
I remember my mom working on the IBC staff at both the reception desk, and in children’s ministry. I remember when I was finally old enough to work, and I too began to work for the children’s ministry. I remember attending VBS, and then volunteering at VBS when I aged out. I remember volunteering and performing at many Easter Picnics, and I remember those Super Bowl Sundays when we would stay, and watch the game at the church.
I remember countless IBC Christmas services, Easter services, and Pentecost services. I remember when they got rid of the 6 o’clock service. I remember when they got rid of my beloved 5 o’clock service. I remember when they put in the church cafe, and all the many names it has had through out the years. (I still mistakenly call it “The Moe” from time to time.)
I remember having voice rehearsals in The Alcove. I remember meeting my geometry tutor once a week in The Commons, and I honestly cannot remember how many times I have fallen asleep on comfy couches and chairs inside the church building.
I remember countless friends and leaders who helped shape me into whom I am. I remember sermons preached that deeply effected me. I remember songs sung that allowed me to feel the power of Jesus moving through the room. I remember countless people who I would not have come into contact with if it were not for IBC.
I remember my Dad always picking up the newest Chatter. I remember the baptisms of both my Brother and my Mom in the town square. I remember telling my therapist that in the midst of panic attacks I always felt safe at IBC.
I have lived, loved, and learned at IBC for nearly 20 years. I have encountered Christ at IBC for nearly 20 years. I have seen IBC grow, struggle, change, and love for nearly 20 years.
When I went off to college, I found a church in my college town that I loved, but I still watched or listened to the recorded services at IBC. I graduated from college, and I came home to IBC. I moved to France, and now I have the privilege to watch the live webcast IBC does every week.
Above are just some of my memories from IBC. I have too many to count, and to write all the memories down would take tons of time, and a lot of paper. I am so very grateful to IBC for the impact it has had on my life, and my family’s life. I really do not know a life without IBC, and I wouldn’t know Christ the way I do without IBC.
Thank you IBC for the years, the lessons, the friendships, and the love, Thank you for helping craft me into the woman I am today. Thank you for bringing Jesus into a dark world that is in desperate need of his grace.
Thank you,
Michelle
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