Published monthly, "The Good News" serves as a way to connect with our congregation and the greater Los Angles community. All are welcome, so please feel free to download a copy of the "Good News!"
St. Louise de Marillac: Animator of the Confraternities of Charity
The Good News April 2014
1. First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood
GOOD NEWS
e-mail: nohofumc@pacbell.net
April 2014
facebook.com/nohofumc1 www.nohofumc.com
IN THIS ISSUE:
• Easter Worship Schedule
• Pastor Led Bible Study
• Table Top Day
• UMW Reading Program
• Food Pantry News
GOOD NEWS is published monthly by
First United Methodist Church of North
Hollywood, California 91601
Phone (818) 763-8231
Minerva Carcaño
Bishop
Rev. Dr. Cedrick Bridgeforth
District Superintendent
Dr. Joey K. McDonald
Pastor
Congregation
Ministers
Jeff Thomas
Director of Music
Roger Eshleman
Organist
Nylean Rapinac
Administrator
Patty Kelsey
Director, Program Ministries
Jessica Renslow
Director, Outreach Ministries
You’ve no doubt seen the commercial. The buyer takes a credit card out to buy
something and a hoard of ruffians heads his or her way. They stop only upon
finding that it is a certain brand of card. Then looking into the camera the
toughies say “What is in your wallet?,” the implication being that if we don’t
have this card our monetary life is in danger. These are interesting times in
terms of finances so there is some value to such a message. To be aware of cost
and risk is an important question. When I started to work for my father at age
fifteen, quite often I would ask the question, “Pop, how much does that cost or
what is that worth?” He gave one of three answers consistently. “Too much,”
“Enough.” Or my particular favorite now (not then). “Son if you have to ask,
you can’t afford it.”
The central question of the book of Acts is, what is the cost of discipleship?
The early Church is struggling with not the concept, but the actual risk of
following Jesus. In chapter 5:27-32, Peter and the Apostles have been brought
before the religious council for violation of religious law. This has, of course, a
familiar ring to it, for not a week ago the Scripture reading for Holy Thursday,
and Good Friday had similar questions being asked of Jesus. The high priest
states ,“We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have
filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s
blood on us.” Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than
any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you
had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him... and we are witnesses to
these things, and so is the Holy Spirit...” It is clear that the Apostles have been
warned not to preach in the name of Jesus or to teach his ways in Jerusalem.
Yet, here they are before the very same council that warned them not to do so.
When they told the religious leaders that it was by the power of God through
the Holy Spirit that they preached and taught, at first the Council so enraged
wanted to kill them. However, at the urging of one leader they were instead
jailed, beaten and released. Whereupon, they rejoiced in their suffering and
immediately began preaching and teaching in the name of Jesus.
The early Christian Mothers and Fathers knew the very real risks attached to
life in relation with Jesus. Yet they embraced it. We in the modern Church are
apt to ask why should I do this or that, or even more pointedly, what’s in it for
me? Our ancestors in the faith knew if not intrinsically, certainly in their souls,
that personal cost was not the question. Perhaps they knew Paul’s words from
II Corinthians 5:19-20 “that is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to
himself, not counting our trespasses against us, and entrusting to us the message
of reconciliation... Making us ambassadors for Christ.” We do well not to ask
what the salary and benefits are?
Your Friend and Pastor,
Joey
A NOTE FROM PASTOR JOEY
2. COME AND WORSHIP
The following Bible passages will be the basis for the 10:30 messages in April.
Please take time each week to read the selected passages.
April 6 Spiritually Seeking Romans 8:6-11
April 13 A Road Story Matthew 21:1-11
April 20 6:30 AM Celebrating Nothing and Everything Matthew 28:1-10
9:00 AM A Revelation In Waiting Colossians 3:1-4
10:30 AM Slouching Toward Salvation John 20:1-18
April 27 To Bear Witness To Love Acts 2:14a, 22-32
HIGHLIGHTS OF WORSHIP
March 2 - Lynne Hutton led the Children’s Cherub Choir this morning. They sang “I’m Gonna Sit at the
Welcome Table” for us today. Norman Kelsey and Rachel Mottaz shared March announcements in Oscar
fashion. The offertory was presented by Rachel Mottaz and she shared a special Lenten action board with
all of us. Based on prayers, presence, gifts, and service. Pastor Joey’s sermon, “A Well Devised Truth,” was
based on 2 Peter 1:16-21.
March 4 - This evening we tried something new called Shrove Tuesday. Roger Eshleman played organ
and piano. Shaun Vieten played guitar and sang “Oh What A Friend We Have In Jesus.” Lisa Cheby
ready poetry. Norman Kelsey and Pastor Joey shared perspectives on Lent. Following worship service
everyone went to the lounge for a pancake dessert bar where mini pancakes and all the yummy toppings
were served.
March 5 - Ash Wednesday. The prayer chapel was open for candle lighting and silent meditation
beginning at 5:00 PM. Prayer guides were available with suggestions for meditations on the Lenten
Season. Silent Communion was served by Norman Kelsey.
March 9 - Patty Kelsey shared a Moment with Children about Lent and giving back instead of giving
things up. Larry Pines made an announcement about the See’s Candy fundraiser for the UMM. Today’s
message was titled, “On Being Without Understanding,” based on Psalm 32.
March 16 - The Acolytes were recognized this morning for their dedication and wonderful service. Many
thanks to Daniella Lake, Isabella Day, Bryan Ancheta and Brandon Ancheta. There was also a Moment
with Children by Patty Kelsey about Lucky Charms. Pastor Joey’s sermon, “The Direction of Help,” was
based on Psalm 121.
March 23 - This morning, we were treated to a special Mission Moment by the Director of Volunteer
Services at Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission. Francis Nyaforh joined the Chancel Choir Anthem of
“Upon This Rock.” Pastor Joey shared a message on “The Unburdened Heart,” based on Psalm 95.
3. What’s Happening in April?
Thursday, April 17th - Maundy/Holy Thursday
Tenebrae Worship Service. Join us for a service of
darkness at 7:30 PM in Boyer Chapel.
Sunday, April 13th - Missions Sunday! Please
bring nonperishable proteins to donate to the Food
Pantry! (Tuna, Peanut Butter, Chili)
Friday, April 18th - Good Friday Worship will
take place at 6:30 PM in Boyer Chapel. Communion
will be served.
Easter Sunday, April 20th - HAT SUNDAY! Wear
you best Easter Sunday Hat to church!
Saturday, April 19th - Our Annual Children’s
Easter Party will take place at 10:30 AM in the Social
Hall. Please invite your family, friends and neighbors
for this special event!
SATURDAY
April 5th
1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Lounge
Come and play at our board
game party! Fun for all ages!
Refreshments too!
Palm Sunday, April 13th
Assemble Easter Baskets for the Children of families that
receive assistance from Hope of the Valley Rescue. Assembly
will take place in front of the Lounge during coffee hour.
Saturday, April 5th - Table Top Day! In the
Lounge from 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Refreshments and
board games!
Wednesday, April 16th - Ruth Circle meets at
7:30 PM. Location TBD.
Easter Sunday, April 20th - Worship Services: 6:30
AM - Patio; 7:30 AM - Continental Breakfast in the
Community Room; 9:00 AM - Boyer Chapel;
10:30 AM - Main Sanctuary.
Monday, April 21st - Tabitha Circle Meets at
10:30 AM in the Hand in Hand Room.
Wednesday April 23rd - UMW Boutique
Workshop. 9:30 AM at the home of Kathi Ellis.
Monday, April 14th- Martha Circle Meets at
11:00 AM. Location TBD.
Tuesday, April 22nd - United Methodist Men
meets at Hill Street Cafe. 7:30 PM.
Sunday, April 13th - All Church Movie Outing!
NoHo Laemmle. NOAH. See David Eshleman.
Sunday, April 6th - UMW Spring Boutique! A
pop-up-shop will be open during coffee fellowship.
Sunday, April 6th - Bible Study with Pastor
Joey. 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM in the Lounge.
Wednesday, April 9th - The UMW General
Luncheon. Lo-Fe-Lo. 12:00 PM. $3 Donation.
Sunday, April 13th - Bible Study with Pastor
Joey. 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM in the Lounge.
Thursday, April 17th - PB & J Project. Meet in
the Lounge at 7:00 PM.
Join us for a 2-Week Study
with Pastor Joey
SUNDAYS
April 6th & 13th
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Lounge
Living The Questions
First Light
Jesus & The Kingdom of God
ALL CHURCH
MOVIE OUTING
Sunday, April 13th
Following Easter Basket Assembly.
David Eshleman invites
everyone to gather at the
Laemmle NoHo 7!
4. April 13th
Please bring:
* Jars of peanut butter
* Cans/pouches of Tuna
* Soups high in protein
By Lynn Yoshizumi
The Bridge - For many of the men
completing a 9-month in-patient drug and
alcohol recovery program at the Rescue
Mission’s John E. White House of Hope, the
thought of leaving the security and
accountability of the program seemed
daunting. Now Hope of the Valley RM has
opened a 14-bed Transitional Living Facility
in the West Valley called THE BRIDGE to
bridge the gap from life in a program to life
back in society. Each participant is required to
get a job, stay clean and sober (verified
through random drug testing), and attend at
least 5 meetings per week designed to help
them maintain their sobriety.
Escrow Closed - Hope of the Valley RM has
purchased a 16,000 sq.ft. building on
Sepulveda Blvd in Mission Hills which will be
the new headquarters. There they will open a
Recuperative Care Center, a Medical Clinic
and a Mental Health Clinic. Plus, there will
be a fully licensed commercial catering
kitchen onsite that will provide food services
to satellite shelters to be opened all across the
valley.
In 2013 the Pantry distributed over 17,680 bags of
non-perishable foods to feed more than 46,500
people. The food bags are designed to provide
emergency food for a family of 4 for 2 days.
The Pantry fiscal year runs from July 1st-June 30th.
For fiscal 2012-2013 the Pantry took in
$68,653 as follows:
Congregations $28,888, including $1,200 from
FUMC/NH
Individuals 22,435
Other organizations 12,350
Thanksgiving Service 4,590
Fund raisers 390
Since the Pantry is an all-volunteer organization
expenses for operating the Pantry are kept to a
minimum. For fiscal 2012-2013, expenses were
$62,843, of which $44,605 was for the purchase of
food from either L.A. Regional Food Bank or
Bargain Wholesale. In addition, the Valley
Interfaith Council used $21,734 in FEMA funds to
pay the food vendors for additional food. The
FEMA money is very unpredictable. Money was
received in October 2010, November 2011, and
January 2013.
If you would like to make a monetary donation,
you can put either cash or a check in one of the
envelopes found in the pews and write “Pantry” on
the check or envelope. You can also go to the
Pantry website www.nhifp.org and donate by
Discover Card, MasterCard or VISA.
5. UMW READING PROGRAM
By Lynn Yoshizumi
In 2013 eleven of our United Methodist Women read a total of 98 books. At the District Leadership
Training in early February once again our UMW was awarded the Reading Program banner for the
highest percentage of readers in our District. The following women received Reading Program
certificates: For reading one book in each of 5 categories, Deanne Cox, Judy Palmer, Jodi Smith,
Carol Van Meter and Lynn Yoshizumi received Level I Reading Program Certificates. Margaret
Allen, Kim Miller, Hanna Sack, Marijane Settlemyer, and Myriel Tyree received Level II Certificates
for reading two books in each category. Again this year Marion Elkerton earned a Level IV
Certificate for reading a total of 20 books, at least 2 in each category. Congratulations to all of these
readers.
Fifteen new books were purchased for the 2014 Reading Program - 3 for each of the 5 reading
categories - Education for Mission, Leadership Development, Nurturing for Community, Social
Action and Spiritual Growth. Most of the usual readers have already checked out one or more books
at the January or February UMW general meeting or during coffee fellowship after church.
If you would like to have a list of the books with a brief description of each one, please see me.
Marion has provided this review of one of the books. "A great, new book has arrived at our church
library titled 'AWAKE, Doing a World of Good One Person at a Time' by Noel Brewer Yeatts. Here
is an excerpt from her book: 'You do not have to look far for a place to let justice roll: a hurting
neighbor, a homeless man outside the grocery store, a couple going through a divorce, a friend
mourning the loss of a loved one, a hungry child halfway around the world, or an entire country
nearly destroyed by genocide. Opportunities for restoring hope through justice are all around us.'"
We are happy to announce that the book "Half the Sky" has been returned to the library.
We will also have games for younger kids like Candyland and Chutes and Ladders.
Feel free to bring your own favorite board game! Light refreshment will be provided.
Please RSVP to the office – and don’t forget to invite a friend!
To see our event on the Tabletop website,
go to: http://www.tabletopday.com/item/fumc-north-hollywood/
FUMC No Ho will be hosting a Tabletop Day gaming event on Saturday, April 5!
Tabletop Day is organized by the Geek & Sundry web series “Tabletop,” hosted by Wil Wheaton.
People all around the world register to host public board game parties.
Our event will take place in the Lounge from 1-7 pm. Come discover new games like:
King of Tokyo – you are a giant monster fighting other giant monsters for control of Tokyo.
Ticket to Ride – collect cards to build railroad lines across the United States.
Small World – various races like elves, dwarves and Amazons fight for territory in an overcrowded land
And special guest Peter Vaughan, a game designer, will be demonstrating his new game,
“What the Food?” - a fun card game about a high school food fight.
6. Wishing you many blessings on your birthday!
Love, Your Church Family
April 4 Tanna Havlick
April 5 MacKenzie Melville
April 5 Andrew Shuford
April 7 Jon Koenigsaecker
April 7 Tara Varilek
April 9 Connie Albright
April 12 Margaret Dixon
April 13 Lisa Cheby
April 15 Debbie Coyle
April 15 Tonya Peat
April 16 Gail Acosta
April 16 Bradley Davis
April 17 Charles Lees
April 17 Cliff Rogers
April 19 George Peters
April 23 Brian Ellis
April 24 Jim Tyree
April 27 Letha Watts
April 28 Mark Hannon
April 30 Charles Minetree
April 30 David Varney
• Patricia Wiley, sister-in-law of Wendy Welch, is going to
have 6 weeks of chemotherapy. She was diagnosed with
colon cancer.
• Gary Solt’s cousin, David Samson--who is studying
ministry in South Carolina, has been diagnosed with
leukemia. It is his second time through this.
• Prayers for Jessie Renslow's friend Tom. His Mother, Junko Osugi, has a rare form of cancer. She
is a college professor, the mother of 4 and grandmother of one.
• Andy Merrill received disheartening news from his insurance company that they will not cover his
open heart surgery. The cardiologist said that this surgery is necessary to replace a valve that is
ruptured and leaking.
• Monica McLaughlin has been ill for many months, which has caused her much mental and
physical stress. She needs prayers to help find a solution.
• Kim Deason has been struggling with major sciatic nerve pain & deep vein thrombosis.
• Norman Kelsey's Mother, Pat Vail, is recuperating following major hip surgery.
• Larry Pines is having problems with his left hip and other health concerns.
• Julie LeMay, after 19 months of remission, has a reoccurrence of cancer and is starting chemo
again.
• Lisa Cheby’s friend, Sharon, needs to find new work and make some life changes.
• Hal Smoker recently lost his wife, Peggy. Peggy is Lisa Cheby’s mother’s cousin.
• Carol and David Henke’s friend, Dirk Craft, has been battling leukemia for a few years and is in
final stages of life. Please lift up his family.
7. Reflections
! Joey K. "Donald
Reflections are part of the weekly bulletin inserts for worship. This writing is originally from February 28, 1999
and Dr. McDonald’s sermon was titled “Grace Under Fire” based on Romans 4:1-5, 13-17.
Psalm 121 is a liturgy of blessing. The opening verse is “I lift my eyes to the hills. From
whence does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and
earth.” The next six verses of this brief poem go on to list in specific and determinant
ways, the power of God as protector and care-giver.
The Psalms are a common part of the Lenten tradition for Christians. In the temptation
of Jesus, found in Matthew 4:1-11, one of the tests the devil seeks to put Jesus to is taking
him to a high place on the Temple saying, “If you are the son of God, throw yourself
off. For it is written He will give his angels charge over you... On their hands they will
bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” The scripture quoted by the prince
of evil is, of course, from Psalm 91, similar to Psalm 121 though longer and fuller in its
description of the blessings of faithfulness to God. The devil’s attempt to use the Good
Word for ill is felled by the response of Jesus, who uses Deuteronomy 6:16, “You shall
not put the Lord your God to the test.”
Lent is a time of soul searching and soul care. In this time we seek to know the God of
the manger and the God of the Cross. Here we endeavor to reconcile our brokenness
with the power of God to mend us through grace. The Psalms remind us that in the
main faith is hard work. A large measure of that work is worship. Namely, magnifying
and proclaiming the love of God we have come to know and experience. By sharing our
faith with others, our faith then becomes a liturgy (that is) a work of blessing.
A famous television evangelist paraphrases Psalm 121 in the benediction he gives at the
end of worship. In a dramatic fashion he faces the people and the cameras and says,
“And now may the Lord bless you and keep you, in your going out and your coming in,
in your laughter and in your tears, in your labor and in your leisure... From this time
forth and forevermore.” Before there was lights, cameras, and makeup, there was The
Word, and it is enough. Our task, as followers, is to make it a workable part of life. As
believers to make it real in us and for others.
8. OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORSHIP
April 6 Fifth Sunday in Lent. Purple.
Ezek. 37:1-14; Ps. 130 or UMH 848; Rom. 8:6-11; John 11:1-45
April 13 Passion/Palm Sunday. Purple.
Matt. 21:1-11; Ps. 118:1-2, 19-29 or UMH 839
April 20 Easter Sunday. White or Gold.
Acts 10:34-43 or Jer. 31:1-6; Ps. 118:1-2, 14-24 or UMH 839; Col. 3:1-4 or Acts 10:34-43
John 20:1-18 or Matt. 28:1-10.
April 27 Second Sunday of Easter. White or Gold.
Acts 2:14a, 22-32; Ps. 16 or UMH 748; 1 Pet. 1:3-9; John 20:19-31
Sunday Worship Services at 10:30 AM in the Main Sanctuary
Adult Sunday School meets at 9:15 AM in the Hand in Hand Room
Children’s Sunday School meets at 10:30 AM in the Community Room/Nursery
Children’s Moment every second & third Sunday of the month during 10:30 AM worship
No Communion on April 6th. Communion served on Good Friday and Sunrise Service.
8:15 AM Worship Services in Boyer Chapel
April 6- Pastor Joey April 13 - Norman Kelsey
April 27 - Sandra Smith
Easter Sunday (April 20) Worship Schedule
6:30 AM - Patio (Communion served) 9:00 AM - Boyer Chapel 10:30 AM - Main Sanctuary
Please have your articles for the Good News to the church office by April 17th for the May 2014 publication
or email them to pattyfumc@gmail.com
If you no longer wish to receive this publication, please contact the church office
or return this address label noting that we are to discontinue sending it. Thank you.
POSTMASTER - Please send changes of address to:
First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601
9. Holy Thursday
TENEBRAE
April 17th
7:30 PM
Boyer Chapel
Communion Served
The purpose of the Tenebrae is
to recreate the emotional aspects
of the Passion story.
The service will be in candlelight
and each candle will be
extinguished in memory of
Christ’s passion.
This is called the Office of
Tenebrae (Shadows) and the
service will end in darkness.
Chapel Service
Communion
Good Friday
April 18th
6:30 PM
Boyer Chapel
Children’s Easter Party
Saturday, April 19th
10:30 AM
Social Hall
Face Painting,
Arts & Crafts,
Meet the Easter Bunny!
6:30 AM Sunrise Service
April 20th
On the Patio
*Communion Served
Continental Breakfast
7:30 AM
Community Room
9:00 AM Worship
April 20th
Boyer Chapel
10:30 AM Worship
April 20th
Main Sanctuary
HAT SUNDAY!
Easter Sunday is the day to wear
your best hat!
We’ll be looking for the jauntiest
chapeaus this special day!