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1. First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood
GOOD NEWS
e-mail: nohofumc@gmail.com
March 2022
facebook.com/nohofumc1 www.nohofumc.org
IN THIS ISSUE:
• Easter Basket Mission
• Children’s Easter Party
• Church QR Code
• Black History Moments
• Dedicate Easter Lilies
GOOD NEWS is published monthly by
First United Methodist Church of North
Hollywood, California 91601
Phone (818) 763-8231
Rev. Grant Hagiya
Bishop
Rev. Melissa MacKinnon
District Superintendent
Rev. Steve Peralta
Senior Pastor
Congregation
Ministers
Michael McKenzie
Director of Music
Roger Eshleman
Organist
Nylean Rapinac
Administrator
Patty Kelsey
Director, Program Ministries
Tonya Peat
Director, Outreach Ministries
“Ashes to Ashes, we all fall down”
The old children’s rhyme plays over and over in my head this week as we
prepare for Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent. Celebrated across many
traditions of Christian tradition, Ash Wednesday and Lent represent a season
of discipline and intentional faith development. The rhythm of Lent begins
with receiving Ashes as an act of repentance, and continues through Good
Friday. During the season we commit to the spiritual disciplines of prayer,
study, worship, fasting, and giving, all with the intention of turning our hearts
to God.
The act of receiving ashes symbolizes recognition of our mortality and the
sorrow we feel for our sins of commission and omission. The tradition of
ashes originates in the Hebrew scriptures:
“Abraham answered, ‘Let me take it upon myself to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust
and ashes.” Genesis 18:27
“I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin and have laid my strength in the dust.” Job 16:15
“Then I turned to the Lord God, to seek an answer by prayer and supplication with fasting
and sackcloth and ashes.” Daniel 9:3
Taking on an Ash or a discipline is not an obligation for a Christian, so it
might be better understood as an invitation. Father Anthony Kadavil reflects
on the tradition this way: “The cross of Ashes means that we are making a
commitment—that we are undertaking Lent as a season of prayer and
penitence, of dying to ourselves. It describes our human condition: it says
that we are imperfect and in need of repair; that we are sinners and need
redemption. Most importantly, it tells us that as followers of Jesus, we are to
carry our crosses.” (www.hallow.com/2022/02/06/ash-wednesday/)
I personally invite you to join me this Wednesday, March 2nd, to receive
Ashes and to begin your Lenten Discipline. I will be dispensing Ashes from
7:00 AM to 9:00 AM in Boyer Chapel for those who wish to wear their
ash through their day. We will also hold an Ash Wednesday Service at
7:00 PM in the Sanctuary, where we will go through the traditional
liturgy and the invitation to observe a Lenten discipline.
I pray that this year’s season of Lent will be one of discovery and growth, so
that we might be a church and community which embodies the presence of
Christ for one another and for the world.
In Christ,
Pastor Steve

2. March 6 Tempting Jesus Luke 4:1-13
Just like us, Jesus is tempted by paths different from the one he was created to follow. In his temptations, we learn
not only that the strongest temptations hide themselves; we also find a way to disarm them.
March 13 Obstructing Jesus
Peter had a very different idea of what Jesus should do: being killed in Jerusalem wasn’t one of them. So
he tries to convince Jesus to deny the cross. Do we let our own dreams and desires get in the way of what
Jesus needs to accomplish?
March 20 Discouraging Jesus Luke 13:1-9
Jesus often taught about tough topics that people didn’t want to hear, like sin and repentance. He also taught that
God was patient…to a point. Do we listen to Jesus, or does our selective hearing discourage him?
March 27 Resisting Jesus
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Jesus’ teaching about jubilee and forgiveness wasn’t well received by the temple establishment. So he tells a story
about a father and two brothers. Which brother are you: the younger or the older?
HIGHLIGHTS OF VIRTUAL WORSHIP
Tune in every Sunday for a brand new worship service!
We share on YouTube @nohofumc and on Facebook @nohofumc1.
Vocals - Michael McKenzie
Moment with Children - Patty Kelsey
February 6 - Gone fishin’
February 13 - True Happiness
February 20 - The Golden Rule
February 27 - You Are Special
Scripture Readers
February 6 - Norman Kelsey
February 13 - Anne Roche
February 20 - Daniella Lake
February 27 - Rachel Mottaz
Luke 13:31-35
Pastor Steve’s Sermon Series: The Nature of Good News
Sermon Titles and Scripture
February 6 - A Great Catch!| Luke 5:1-11
February 13 - Poor & Blessed | Luke 6:17-26
February 20 - Jesus Economics | Luke 6:27-38
February 27 - Between Realities| Luke 9:28-36 (37-43)
Special Music - Michael McKenzie & Roger Eshleman
February 6 - UMH 577 | God of Grace and God of Glory
February 13 - Lydia, Patty, Holly, Norman | Blessed Be Your Name
February 20 - UMH 549 | Where Charity and Love Prevail
February 27 - UMH 451 |Be Thou My Vision
Jesus’ ministry sought to bring renewal within the people
of God. But people resisted his message of self-denial,
love, mercy, and compassion. In the end, good people
found themselves as obstacles to Jesus’ teaching and
ministry. If we are honest, we often do as well. This
Lenten Season, let’s do our best to identify how we
obstruct Jesus, and then get out of the way so we can
follow.
Organist/Pianist - Roger Eshleman
Call to Worship Response - Norman Kelsey
Black History Moments Online
February 6 - Norman Kelsey February 20 - Eddy Faulkner
February 13 - Daniella Lake February 27 - Sherri Perry

3. News From Digital Outreach
By Tonya Peat
I would love to invite everyone to get out their
phones and scan our new social media QR code!
The best way to spread the news about our services
and our events and especially our wonderful
community we have here is through social media
and invitation. I'd love to challenge every person to
subscribe to not only our YouTube page, but to our
Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and website accounts!
Like our posts and share them to your own pages.
Show everyone how much you love and
appreciate our wonderful community we have
@NoHoFUMC
Watch and share the online service each week on
YouTube even if you come to the in person service.
This will boost our reach online. Plus, if you
subscribe and for some reason can't make it in
person you will automatically get a notification when
the online service is posted, so you will never miss a
service. If you subscribe to our website, you will get
a notification when a new event, or the newsletter, or
message from Pastor Steve is posted too!
Thank you so much for participating in our social
media reach out.
“The Lord’s Prayer: The Meaning and
Power of the Prayer Jesus Taught”
Book by Adam Hamilton
Most Christians know the Lord’s Prayer by heart.
We pray it together as a part of our gathered
worship. We remember it as the prayer Jesus taught
his disciples. But do we really understand and
appreciate the meaning and power of its words? Do
we ever really stop to consider what we ask God
every time we pray it?
In six sessions (beginning Thursday, March 3), we
will explore each line and its meaning in the Bible,
illuminating what we ask of God and what we ask of
ourselves through its words. We also consider how
to use the prayer as a pattern for our own prayer
life. Meet in the Hand in Hand Room at 7pm.
Breakdown of Study:
March 3
Our Father, Who Art in Heaven,
Hallowed Be Thy Name
March 10
Whose Will Be Done?
March 17
Our Daily Bread
March 24
Forgive...As We Forgive
March 31
And Lead Us, Not into Temptation
April 7
For THINE is the Kingdom, Power, and Glory
You may also tune in on Zoom
Meeting ID: 814 1016 2060
Passcode: 315564

4. In Celebration of Black History Month
by Norman Kelsey
For this year’s Black History Month, we, the participants discussed the need to take the conversation
beyond the usual stories of the Black Experience, and share something current and deeply personal.
On February 6th, I presented a reflection on acting icons and heroes Denzel Washington and the late
Sidney Poitier and their ability to transcend expectations and be advocates for positive change. It was an
opportunity to discuss the impact of Mr. Poitier’s trail blazing career on film and his role in the Civil
Rights movement; and while Mr. Washington is a beneficiary of that legacy, Denzel is having his own
inspirational impact on the next generation encouraging them to “Put God first.” (Check out Mr.
Washington’s current Oscar nominated performance as MacBeth, and Mr. Poitier’s turn as Virgil Tibbs
from “In The Heat of the Night.”)
The second Sunday, for virtual worship, Daniella Lake presented a veritable mixtape of personal
reflections from her first two years of college at Berkeley. She mourns George Floyd; she extols James
Baldwin; she name drops Dapper Dan, Diana Ross and Prince; she gushes about QuestLove’s
documentary “Summer Of Soul.” In her approach to the problems still surrounding race relations,
Daniella is neither cynical nor naive; rather, she is highly engaged in her work and studies whether as a
writer for the “Daily Californian” or on a new African American public history research project, “Black
Lives At Cal.” She is determined to make a real contribution to Black History on her college campus, and
you know she will.
Eddy Faulkner sang a soulful interpretation of the African American spiritual, “I’ve Got Peace Like A
River” for the third Sunday. His presentation for the online worship service was joyful. Eddy’s blues-
inflected guitar work highlighted the confluence of the gospel roots and earthy sound that created Rhythm
and Blues.
For in-person worship on February 20th, I read a recent poem from 2020 Pulitzer prize winner Jericho
Brown. His work “Upon Arrival” is a part of a new anthology of stories, essays and poems entitled “Four
Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019.” Brown’s powerful work tells the
story of the Middle Passage and the strength of our ancestors with deeply religious imagery.
The final Sunday, Sherri Perry discussed the uplifting music of the super soul Broadway musical, “The
Wiz.” She focused on the climactic number “Everybody Rejoice” (aka “Brand New Day”) written by R&B
legend Luther Vandross and how the song’s message resonates as we move out of this season of Pandemic.
Let’s take a lesson from Luther, there are so many things to celebrate and be hopeful for. Celebrate the
culture, celebrate each other, celebrate life!

5. Boy Scouts of America Update
For the last year, we have been anxiously awaiting the results of the Bankruptcy proceedings of B.S.A. and how
it would affect the relationship between scouting and charter organizations. The United Methodist Church is
one of the major sources of charter relationships, and our denominational attorneys worked hard to make sure
we could continue to charter Scout Troops into the future.
We are happy to announce that our hard work has paid off and we will continue to be able to serve as a charter
organization of Troop 18. However, the settlement was costly (and is not yet final). In a briefing sent to all
California-Pacific Annual Conference churches, Bishop Hagiya said, “In commitment to the cause and healing
of the victims of abuse, the United Methodist Church is committing $30 million over three years to a
Survivor’s Trust Fund. This represents 1% of the 3 billion dollar settlement. We also offered to assist in
raising an additional 100 million dollars from other chartering organizations so that all will be able to
continue to serve young people through Scouting. We further pledge to provide resources ensuring such abuses
do not happen again and to make every effort to ensure that our churches are places of safety for all who come
into our doors. If the courts approve the final settlement, we will be released from the liability of all the cases
that have come to light as of this date. “
This commitment amounts to $676,312.00 for the California-Pacific Annual conference. Conference
leadership has devised a plan to pay 50% of this amount from Conference Reserves, and 50% from the 5
District Union Reserves. This means that we, as an individual congregation, will not be expected to raise funds
to contribute to the settlement. However, there will be an opportunity for individuals and congregations to
contribute if they feel moved to do so.
The numbers of active COVID cases is
declining, and hospitalization numbers
continue to fall. As a result, the LA County
Department of Health has relaxed some of
the Mask Mandate. In alignment with their
guidelines, we will no longer require you to
wear a mask outdoors while you are on
campus. However, the indoor mask
mandate is still in effect, and we will
continue to require everyone to wear a
mask while indoors.
We encourage people to take every
precaution to remain healthy and safe,
including getting vaccinated and boosted.
We also will continue to offer the wristbands
which communicate how you desire people
to interact with you, so we can honor each
and every one of our community as we
make our way through this transition as
COVID becomes endemic for all the world.
UPDATE

6. It is time to order your Easter Lilies!
A gorgeous Easter Lily cross is erected in the chancel of the
Sanctuary every year. The lovely plants are given in memory and in
honor of loved ones and are $10 per plant.
The plants may be taken home following the 10:30 am
worship service on Easter Sunday, April 17th
Your Name ______________________________________ Phone Number ________________________
Please Circle One:
(In Memory) or (In Honor) of _____________________________________________________________
(In Memory) or (In Honor) of _____________________________________________________________
(In Memory) or (In Honor) of _____________________________________________________________
Total Number of Lilies Ordered _________ @ $10.00 per plant Total Due ______________
HOPE OF THE VALLEY’S
FAMILY SHELTER PROGRAM
Baskets will be shared with these family crisis centers:
Genesis House, a 28-bed, 90-day, shelter in Pacoima for
families with children.
Shepherd’s House & Casa De Vida are 48-bed, 90-day,
shelters in West San Fernando Valley for families with children.
All programs are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Families have access to housing navigation, case management,
referrals to outside service providers for medical and mental
health care, parenting classes, and much more.
The aim is to make all of the “houses” as welcoming and
comfortable as possible.These baskets help.
Wish List:
• Wrapped Candies in
600 Candy filled plastic eggs
• Cash donations to purchase like
items. Approximately $600.
Please drop off candy filled eggs
on Sundays, and leave them on
the donations table.
Thank you for your support!
We will collect items on Sundays:
March 6, 13, 20, 27 & April 3
Please leave your donations on the table by
Boyer Chapel. Or your monetary donations
will be graciously accepted.
We are filling 120 Baskets!
Saturday, April 9th is Prep Day at 11:30
in the Community Room.
Palm Sunday, April 10th - Assembly Day
following coffee fellowship outside in the
Courtyard Patio

7. Wishing you many blessings on your birthday!
Love, Your Church Family
• Jeff Thomas’ Brother, Isaac is facing very serious health issues. Isaac is the guardian of Jeff’s niece,
Nichole. He became her guardian after their sister, Lori, passed away, almost a year ago.
• Roger Eshleman’s sister, Joan Velde, was hospitalized for pneumonia and low blood pressure a few
weeks ago, after being re-diagnosed with cancer. She is now discharged and back home.
• David Eshleman’s girlfriend, Ana, has recuperated nicely, following lumbar shunt revision a few weeks
back. She is now feeling well enough to cook healthy meals for the family and is smiling again.
Our homebound congregants: Joyce Cunningham, Dottie Vick, Margaret Allen, Bill Varney,
Please take a moment from your day to lift up these friends. If you have any prayer requests, please
contact the church office at (818) 763-8231 or email pattyfumc@gmail.com. Should you request a
Pastoral call or visit, please also contact the church office to schedule a time with Pastor Steve.
March 1 Jerry Acosta
March 1 Willa Koenigsaecker
March 1 Barbara Roberts
March 2 JoAnn Parnell
March 3 Joe Forgione
March 7 Ed Webster
March 8 Michael Kent
March 11 Zachary Thomas
March 12 Pat Sucher
March 17 JoAnn Roche
March 18 Sue McDonald
March 19 Bridget Deason
March 28 Tim Coyle
March 28 Evangeline Fetterman
March 28 Anne Roche
March 28 Ethan William Forgione
March 29 Alycia Watts
March 30 Joan Becker
March 30 Daniel Cox
March 30 Eli Cox
March 30 Carrie Downs-Minetree
March 30 Deborah Moore

8. WORSHIP LECTIONARY & LITURGICAL COLORS (Year C)
March 2 Ash Wednesday. Purple.
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17; Psalm 51:1-17; 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
March 6 First Sunday in Lent. Purple.
Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16; Romans 10:8b-13; Luke 4:1-13
March 13 Second Sunday in Lent. Purple.
Genesis 15:1-12; 17-18; Psalm 27; Philippians 3:17-4:1; Luke 13:31-35
March 20 Third Sunday in Lent. UMCOR SUNDAY. Purple.
Isaiah 55:1-9; Psalm 63:1-8; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13; Luke 13:1-9
March 27 Fourth Sunday in Lent. Purple.
Joshua 5:9-12; Psalm 32; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Sunday Worship Services are Posted Online Saturday Eve| Worship In-Person at 10:30 AM
Join us online via Facebook @nohofumc1 or YouTube @nohofumc
Communion will be served, in-person, on March 6th during worship.
Ash Wednesday Services
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM Dispensing of Ashes in Boyer Chapel
7:00 PM - Worship in the Main Sanctuary
Lenten Study Schedule in Lounge - EVERY THURSDAY
7:00 PM - Lenten Study with Pastor Steve in the Hand in Hand Room
Please have your articles for the Good News to the church office by March17th for the April 2022 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
“NoHoFUMC is a community that practices the all-inclusive and transforming love of God as modeled by the life
and ministry of Jesus Christ. We celebrate our diversity in race, ethnicity, marital status, sexual orientation, gender
identity, age, gender, ability, citizenship, and socioeconomic status. Moved by the Holy Spirit, we welcome all people
into the full participation of the life of the church.”