This document provides information about upcoming events at the First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood in February 2019. It includes a summary of recent worship services, a message from the pastor about living according to God's love, highlights of upcoming events like Scout Sunday and a game night, and volunteer opportunities to support the local food pantry and homeless alliance. The pastor challenges the congregation to seek God's more excellent way of love in their community.

1. First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood
GOOD NEWS
e-mail: nohofumc@pacbell.net
FEBRUARY 2019
facebook.com/nohofumc1 www.nohofumc.org
IN THIS ISSUE:
• Disciple Fast Track
• Scout Sunday
• UMC Young People
• Bible Presentation
• NHIFP Volunteers
“But strive for the greater gifts, and I will show you a still more excellent
way.” ~ 1 Corinthians 12:31, NRSV
These are the words which close the twelfth chapter of Paul’s letter to the
church in Corinth. They serve as the introduction to his great treatise on
love. You know which one I’m talking about…the one that gets read at the
vast majority of weddings you have attended…the one that describes love
as patient, not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude or irritable or
resentful or seeking its own way…the one that says that love does not
rejoice in wrong doing but instead rejoices in the truth…the one that says
that love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures
all things…you know it, right?
But here’s the thing: Paul wrote this to the early church. He never
intended it to be read at weddings. He wasn’t trying to be romantic. He
was trying to instruct the church on how it was supposed to live together.
As Christianity sought to define itself in the very beginning, some of the
churches became very competitive over authority and position within the
church. In Chapter 12, Paul had been giving instruction about spiritual
gifts and their roles within the church, but he had to go one step further.
So in Chapter 13, he essentially writes that what we do in ministry and
what we believe or profess counts for nothing if we do not treat each other
with Godly love. We could have the best worship or the best Bible studies;
but if we can’t love each other, it wouldn’t matter. We could raise a million
dollars for a cause or raise awareness for an unjust matter; but if we can’t
love each other, it wouldn’t matter.
How are we doing as a community? Are we following in Paul’s “more
excellent way” or have we lost sight of it? Are we complaining about other
people behind their backs? Are we competing for authority or influence in
the church? Are we more concerned about having things “my way” than
we are asking what God desires us to do? Are we burning bridges instead
of seeking reconciliation?
This month, I challenge us to seek the “more excellent way.” Let us love
one another the way that God has called us to.
In Christ,
Pastor Steve
GOOD NEWS is published monthly by
First United Methodist Church of North
Hollywood, California 91601
Phone (818) 763-8231
Rev. Grant Hagiya
Bishop
Rev. James R. Powell
District Superintendent
Rev. Steven F. Peralta
Senior Pastor
Congregation
Ministers
Jeff Thomas
Director of Music
Roger Eshleman
Organist
Nylean Rapinac
Administrator
Patty Kelsey
Director, Program Ministries
Tonya Peat
Director, Outreach Ministries

2. SERMON SERIES: GOD FRIENDED ME
The following Bible passages will be the basis for the 10:30 messages in February, including Ash Wednesday.
Please take time each week to read the selected passages.
February 3 Good News? Luke 4:21-30
February 10 Unexpected Request Luke 5:1-11
February 17 Two Sides to Every Call Luke 6:17-26
February
24
Jesus‘ Phone Tree Luke 6:27-38
HIGHLIGHTS OF WORSHIP
January 6 - Today we celebrated Epiphany Sunday on Epiphany! The children and youth of our church
performed a play, “Melchior: Wisest of the Magi,” written by Doug Eboch. We really enjoyed the
production and thank the performers, parents, and Doug for all their hard work! Matthew 2:1-12 was the
inspiration for Pastor Steve’s message, titled, “Bethlehem to Egypt.” This was the final sermon in our
Advent Series, The Journey by Adam Hamilton. We also shared in communion. Following worship,
everyone celebrated in the Social Hall at our Epiphany Party. The centerpieces were three crowns
surrounded by gold wrapped candies and the food themed with crowns and stars and was delicious. We
also enjoyed a Rosca de Reyes with mini Baby Jesus dolls hidden underneath!
January 13 - Today was the Second Sunday after the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord. Patty
Kelsey shared a moment with the children based on the scripture lesson utilizing the new year, new
beginnings and valentines to share about the Love of God for his Son, Jesus and for all of us. Pastor Steve’s
sermon series, God Friended Me, began today. “Hello? It’s Me, God” was based on Luke 3:15-22. The call
of God comes to the individual in the midst of the many...how can we discern which voice is God’s? We
celebrated with the Baptism of two members, seventeen year olds, Sasha and Susanna.
January 20 - On this Third Sunday after the Epiphany, Pastor Steve shared a moment with children
about the story of Jesus turning water into wine. Both the time with children & Pastor Steve’s sermon, “An
Unexpected Call,” were based on John 2:1-11. The call of God often arrives before we are ready or in the
manner we expect. Shaun Vieten shared special music in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
January 27 - Today, we celebrated United Methodist Women Sunday! Women of the congregation took
part in many aspects of worship. Our lovely soprano soloist, Libeck Kadu, shared Christ In Me as her spcial
music selection. We were blessed to have Veda Ward, as our guest speaker. Veda’s message, “Claiming Our
Common Call?” was based on 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, 16:1-18. Other UMW members who participated in
the service were Kathi Ellis, Lynn Yoshizumi, Deanne Cox, Wendy Welch, and members of the United
Methodist Women who greeted and ushered this morning.
March 3 Christ Revealed Luke 9:28-36

3. What’s Happening in February?
Wednesday, February 13th - UMW Executive
Board Meeting at 10AM. General Luncheon.
12:00PM in the Lo-Fe-Lo Room. Lunch and
Program. $3 donation. Share your LOVE stories.
Sunday, February 3rd - Souper Bowl Sunday!
Final day to bring cans of soup to church today for
the Food Pantry.
Sunday, February 10th- Mission Sunday!
Bring non-perishable foods for the Food Pantry.
Saturday, February 16th
6:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Lounge
All are welcome! Join in the fun!
Bring a board game and some
snacks to share!
A Focus on Black History
Every Sunday in February during 10:30AM worship
We will have a moment of special music, poetry or readings
that celebrate Black History.
Tuesday, February 26th - Ruth Circle meets at
7:30 PM in the Community Room.
Sunday, February 10th - Scout Sunday! We
celebrate the relationship with the Scouts as Troop
18 takes part in worship.
Monday, February 18th - Tabitha Circle meets at
10:30 AM in the Hand in Hand Room.
PB & J PROJECT
Thursday, February 14th
7:00 PM
Lounge
Join us in the lounge as we make 150
sandwiches that will go to
Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission.
Thursday, February 14th - PB&J Project meets at
7:00 PM in the Lounge. Come make sandwiches for
the needy at Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission.
Sunday, February 17th - Bible Presentations!
For children 3rd grade and up. Young adults too!
Friday, February 22nd - Tea Fellowship will meet
at Aroma for nosh. Meet at 11:00 AM.
Saturday, February 16th - Game Night! Lounge.
6:30 PM - 11:00 PM. Bring games and some treats to
share! All are welcome.
Join us for Tea Fellowship
Friday, February 22nd
Meet at 11:00 AM
Aroma Coffee & Tea
Thursdays
7:00 PM
Lo-Fe-Lo
Pastor Steve invites you to this
12-week comprehensive study
of the New Testament.
The group will meet for the
entire month of February.
There will be a 6 - week break
for our Lenten Study beginning
on March 7th.
Sign up with the church office.

4. On Saturday, January 12th, I went to the Young People’s Council Meeting. The meeting was held at the
Hollywood United Methodist Church, which is a very beautiful church that I enjoyed seeing! This was
my first time attending YPC and it brought back a lot of memories from Annual Conference. The
moment I walked into the meeting I immediately recognized the faces of people I had met this past
summer at Annual Conference. The Young People’s Council is for youth and young adults who are
interested and involved in the church. YPC is important because it is a group that allows the voices of
young people to be heard. Through YPC, youth in the church are able to express our needs and
concerns. We were encouraged to attend Annual Conference so that we can represent the Church’s
young people.
The only thing is, some may see Annual Conference as boring because there are many meetings. One
great thing I learned is that if we, (youth and young adults,) want things to be more fun, we have the
power to do it. At the meeting we discussed some ideas of fun activities we can not only do at Annual
Conference but throughout the year to bring young people together. We thought of ideas like carnivals,
talent shows, and social nights.
At the meeting we discussed upcoming events for youth such as Youth 2019. Youth 2019 will be held in
Kansas City over the summer. It is a great opportunity for youth and young adults to meet, worship
together, do service activities, and have tons of fun! I definitely want to go since this event only happens
every four years.
If you know any Methodist youth in grades 6-12 or young adults who are interested, read more
information at youth2019.com!
Overall, I’m so glad I was able to attend and be a part of the Young People’s Council. The meeting was
informative and inspiring. It encouraged me to take the next step forward in my involvement in the
United Methodist Church.
UMC YOUNG PEOPLE’S COUNCIL
By Daniella Lake

5. NHIFP NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
NHIFP is seeking long term relationships with
volunteers who can do some physical work. We need
assistance on Thursdays (late afternoon/early
evening), bringing the bags up from the Temple
basement, onto the truck and transporting them to
the distribution site and unloading. This is ONE
THURSDAY per month.
We also need the same help on the THIRD
SUNDAY of the month, usually in the am.
Another available time slot is FRIDAY mornings at
the Temple basement..sorting, moving inventory etc.
Let's keep changing lives one bag at a time !
For more information, kindly email
northhollywoodinterfaithfoodpantry@gmail.com
or Call our Volunteer Coordinator
Barbara Javitz @ 323-646-7801
Learn how you can help address homelessness in your neighborhood. Join in dialogue with guests
experiencing homelessness and service providers who are MAKING A DIFFERENCE in our
community.
Make bag lunches, no-sew blankets, prep clothes closet for our next drop-in.
• Sign up and train to be a NoHo Home Alliance Volunteer.
• Please bring items for hygiene kits (any sized toiletries), white socks (adult), men’s underwear (large),
coffee supplies (ground coffee, sugar, creamer) or tubs of oatmeal.
• Come learn how working together we can affect positive change!
NoHo Home Alliance
Located on the campus of St. Matthew’s NoHo (Pastor Stephanie)
11031 Camarillo Street in NoHo
Questions? Contact Barbara Javitz, Volunteer Organizer:
bjavitz@gmail.com or Stephanie Jaeger, ED info@nohohome.org
NOHO HOME ALLIANCE OPEN HOUSE
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, February 16th
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

6. February 1 Lisa Zung
February 2 Mee Zung
February 4 Morenike Lake
February 4 Sandra Smith
February 5 Dr. Lancelot Lake
February 5 Justin Parnell
February 6 Norman Kelsey
February 6 Amara Schweibert
February 9 Keven McConnell
February 10 Daisy Galvis
February 12 Michael Cox
February 13 Olivia Christian
February 14 Wendy Ince
February 20 Ava Peat
February 20 Beyla Nyaforh
February 21 Dr. Phil Griggs
February 25 Scott Shepard
February 27 Steve Pitchford
February 28 David Eshleman
February 28 Uma Tokahuta
•Bill Varney just had surgery to put in a new stent into one of the branches of his kidneys. This has
set him back with physical therapy. He is hopeful he can get back to church by the Spring.
•Rebecca Forgione’s dad, Bill Goodpasture, passed away after a long battle with cancer.
•Bryant Tokahuta was hospitalized and the doctor’s discovered one of his kidney’s is enlarged and
working at 25% capacity. He is scheduled for surgery on March 6 and may need the kidney removed.
•Marion Elkerton is in the care of her daughter, Joanie, under hospice care.
•Catie’s Mom, Judy Andrus is undergoing treatment for her 3rd time with ovarian cancer.
•Tracy Hagan Ritter is keeping her spirits uplifted and positive as she lives with the limited
treatments for her adenoid cancer.
•Sherri Perry’s Aunt had a stroke and is recuperating from her health issues.
•Miles Yoho was hospitalized with a viral infection of his colon. He also has refeeding syndrome
because he did not eat for a long time. Miles appetite is improving and they hope he will be back on
track soon.
•Nicole Mijares, 31, was diagnosed with neuro-endocrine CA. Cancer has metastasized throughout
her body and she is now on palliative care.
•Charley Menendez, 23, is waiting for a liver transplant.
Dorothy Tyler - 8316 Topeka Dr., Northridge, CA 91324 (744) 224-0801
Gladys Woodard - 6750 Whitsett Ave. Unit 325, NoHo 91601
Joyce Cunningham - Courtyard Plaza 6951 Lennox Ave., Van Nuys 91405
Marion Elkerton - 43694 Trail G, Lake Hughes, Ca. 93532
Margaret Dixon - 12626 Tiara St. NoHo 91607
Dottie Vick - 14706 Blackhawk St., Mission Hills (call and cards only)
Margaret Allen - Villa Scalabrini Special Care Unit,
10631 Vinedale St., Sun Valley 91352
Bill Varney - billvarney@ymail.com
Remember
our
Homebound
Congregants

7. OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORSHIP
February 3 Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany. Green.
Jer. 1:4-10; Ps. 71:1-6 (UMH 794); 1 Cor. 13:1-13; Luke 4:21-30
February 10 Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany. Scouts Sunday. Green.
Isa. 6: 1-8 (9-13); Ps. 138 (UMH 853); 1 Cor. 15: 1-11; Luke 5: 1-11
February 17 Sixth Sunday After the Epiphnay. Green.
Jer. 17:5-10; Ps. 1 (UMH 738); 1 Cor. 15:12-20; Luke 6:17-26
February 24 Seventh Sunday After the Epiphany. Green.
Gen. 45:3-11, 15; Ps. 37:1-11, 39-40 (UMH 772); 1 Cor. 15:35-38, 42-50;
Luke 6:27-38
8:15 AM Worship Services in Boyer Chapel
February 3 - Pastor Steve February 10 - Norman Kelsey
February 17 - Patty Kelsey February 24 - Sandra Smith
Please have your articles for the Good News to the church office by February 17th for the March 2019 publication
or email them to pattyfumc@gmail.com
POSTMASTER - Please send changes of address to:
First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601
Sunday Worship Services at 10:30 AM in the Main Sanctuary
Adult Sunday School on 2nd, 4th & 5th Sundays. 9:00 AM in Boyer Chapel.
Children’s Sunday School meets at 10:30 AM in the Community Room/Nursery
Children’s Message every Sunday during 10:30 worship service
Communion will be celebrated on February 3rd at 8:15 AM and 10:30 AM worship services.