Our monthly newsletter at NoHoFUMC

1. First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood
GOOD NEWS
e-mail: nohofumc@gmail.com
JANUARY 2020
facebook.com/nohofumc1 www.nohofumc.org
IN THIS ISSUE:
• Souper Bowl Sunday
• Martin Luther King Jr.
• Epiphany Party
• Altar Flower Dedications
• Advent & Christmas
GOOD NEWS is published monthly by
First United Methodist Church of North
Hollywood, California 91601
Phone (818) 763-8231
Rev. Grant Hagiya
Bishop
Rev. Jim 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
Beloved…this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to
what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of
God in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 3:13-14, NRSV
Back when I regularly backpacked my way through the wilderness, I learned
to stop at certain points during the day’s journey and take stock on where I
was at. When trudging up long sections of switchbacks, just about the time
you wonder if they will ever end, I liked to stop and look behind me to see
how far I had come. After a quick minute or two, I was re-motivated to
keep climbing. At the bottom of a valley, it was good to look back to the
ridge from which I had come. On top of each pass, I enjoyed looking back
over the place my day began at and forward towards where I was going. At
each stop, the new perspective encouraged me and directed my feet forward
towards home.
Today is the last day of the year. It seems to have snuck up on me, silently
padding its way into the present un-noticed. Everywhere, people are looking
back and evaluating 2019: what happened, what was good, what was bad,
what lessons were learned. Tomorrow people will be posting their intentions
and goals for 2020: what they want to happen and what they hope to
accomplish.
We need these points in time and in life to pause and assess life. We need to
see how far we have come, to check and make sure we are going in the right
direction, and to set a course towards a point beyond the horizon.
For our church, even as the landscape changes around us, we follow Christ.
We will continue to intentionally look past our own comfort to connect with
our neighborhood. We will continue to work toward the long-term,
sustainable goals instead of the quick-fix. We will resist the Traditional Plan
and continue to open our church and arms to all of God’s children, giving
access to every part of our ministry. We will pray for each other and for the
world. We will continue to celebrate God’s presence in our midst.
So let’s pause for just a moment…and set a course forward towards Christ.
We still have much work to do and miles to go…
In Christ,
Pastor Steve

2. COME AND WORSHIP
January 5 Jesus: Asylum Seeker Matthew 2:13-23
January 12 Let Jesus Be Jesus Matthew 3:13-17
January 19 Can I Get a Witness?
January 26 Guest Pastor Kirsten Oh
HIGHLIGHTS OF WORSHIP
December 1st - On this First Sunday of Advent, the sanctuary was decorated for the season and The
Advent Candle moment was lead by Brandon Ancheta. This morning also began Pastor Steve’s Advent
sermon series, A Christmas Carol, with an introduction to Scrooge and Marley. “Something’s Coming...”
was based on Matthew 24:36-44. Communion was also served this morning.
December 8th - This morning we celebrated The Second Sunday of Advent and Baptism Sunday. The
lighting of our Advent Candle moment was led by Jesse Boone & Sherri Perry. Part 2 in Pastor Steve’s
sermon series A Christmas Carol was, “The Ghost of Christmas Past,” and was based on Matthew 3:1-12.
We were blessed to witness the baptism of Aria Danielle Mackie-Mason.
December 15th - The Third Sunday of Advent was celebrated by the lighting of our Advent Candles by
the Mottaz Family. Pastor Steve shared Part 3 in his sermon series, “A Christmas Carol: The Ghost of
Christmas Present,” based on Matthew 11:2-11. Then we were delighted with the sounds of the Definitely
Dickens Carolers who processed down the center aisle singing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” followed
by, “Carol of the Bells.” We enjoyed Christmas Merry Making in the Courtyard Patio with Manny’s Coffee,
Holiday Treats, and more Dickens Carolers harmonizing.
December 18th - At 7:00 pm we had our moving, Blue Christmas service in Boyer Chapel. This
contemplative service was filled with scripture, prayers, candle lighting, and music to heal and bring hope.
December 22nd - The lighting of the Advent candles were led by the Peat Family followed by our
Christmas Play, “A Ghostmas Carol,” written and directed by Scott Peat. Featuring Norman Kelsey, Phillip
Mottaz, Jesse Boone and our church kids! Part 4 of Pastor Steve’s sermon series, “A Christmas Carol: The
Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come,” was based on Matthew 1:18-25. The “Advent Hymn” was shared by
The Thomas Family.
December 24th - 7:00 PM Family Service began with gorgeous musical preludes by The Acosta Family
and Roger Eshleman. The Books Family lit the Advent Candle Wreath. Patty Kelsey shared the Children’s
Message about the Joy of Christmas. Our Hymns and Choral Anthems were accompanied by the beautiful
strings from the Acosta Family. Jeff Thomas and the Acostas shared special music, “Bless Us All.” We then
closed with Silent Night and lighting candles.
11:00 PM was a stunning service of scripture lessons, Hymns, Special Music from Jeff Thomas, Norman
Kelsey, & The Acostas, blessing us with “Gabriel’s Song,” while Libeck Kadu-Vieten, Sherri Perry, & The
Acostas shared “The Wexford Carol.” Pastor Steve served Communion and we concluded service with
Silent Night and lighting candles. The benediction sent us on our way at the stroke of midnight, Christmas
Day.
God Bless Us, Everyone!
John 1:29-42
Matthew 4:12-23

3. What’s Happening in January?
Wednesday, January 8th - NO UMW General
Luncheon.
Sunday, January 12th - Mission Sunday canned
food collection. Proteins are requested. Please
designate a donation to Missions today.
Wednesday, January 8th- NO United Methodist
Women Executive Board Meeting.
Tuesday, January 28th - Ruth Circle meets at
7:30 PM in the Lounge.
Sunday, January 5th - EPIPHANY PARTY!
following worship on the Patio! Please attend!
UMW SUNDAY
January 26, 2020
10:30 AM worship
Guest Pastor Kirsten Oh
Baptism Sunday!
You are invited to witness
the baptism of
Maya Lau.
Celebration Luncheon hosted by
the Silva-Lau Family out
on the Courtyard Patio.
We are celebrating Maya’s
birthday and Chinese New Year.
Sunday, January 26th - UMW Sunday.
Worship this morning will be led by the women of
our congregation.
Monday, January 13th - Martin Luther King
Holiday. Office Closed.
Thursday, January 16th - PB & J Project See
details below!
Thursday, January 16th
7:00 PM
Lounge
Help us make 150 PB&J sandwiches
for the homeless who visit the food
pantry on Fridays!
If you would like to help but can’t
make it every third Thursday of each
month, please donate supplies (peanut
butter, jam, bread or sandwich bags.)
$40 will also sponsor the event!
PB & J PROJECT
Tea Fellowship will be postponed for January.
Please plan on joining us for a themed Afternoon
Tea on Friday, February 14th, at the Kelsey
Residence. 12pm. RSVP for address.
Sunday, January 5th
Following Worship
Courtyard Patio
Come and celebrate the
Eleventh Day of Christmas!
We will have delicious food and
wonderful fellowship.
King Cake will also be served!
Sunday, January 26th - Baptism Sunday of
Maya Lau. Luncheon hosted by her family in honor
of this special day on the patio.

4. DIVERSE LEADERS’ GROUP OFFERS SEPARATION PLAN
By Sam Hodges - UM NEWS
A diverse, 16-member group of United Methodist bishops and other leaders has offered a proposal that
would preserve The United Methodist Church while allowing traditionalist-minded congregations to form
a new denomination. The separating group would get $25 million in United Methodist funds and would
keep its local church properties.
Details are in a nine-page “Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation,” released Jan. 3
along with an FAQ and press release.
The proposal — reached with the help of famed mediator Kenneth Feinberg, who worked on the federal
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund — requires approval by the 2020 General Conference.
Drafting of legislation is still underway for the legislative assembly, which is the only body that speaks for
the 13 million global denomination.
But given the broad, influential coalition involved — including bishops from around the global connection
and advocacy group leaders often sharply at odds — the potential seems strong that the separation
proposal can end or at least greatly reduce the denomination’s decades-long struggle over how accepting to
be of homosexuality.
New York Conference Bishop Thomas Bickerton, part of the group, said the contentious 2019 special
called General Conference in St. Louis underscored intensifying divisions and the need for amicable
separation.
“It became clear that the line in the sand had turned into a canyon,” Bickerton said. “The impasse is such
that we have come to the realization that we just can’t stay that way any longer.
“This protocol provides a pathway that acknowledges our differences, respects everyone in the process and
graciously allows us to continue to live out the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the
transformation of the world, albeit in different expressions.”
The plan looks toward a restructuring of the remaining global United Methodist Church into regions, with
flexibility to adapt church policies, including on LGBTQ inclusion.

5. Meanwhile, traditionalists forming a new denomination could continue what they see as Bible-supported
restrictions on same-sex marriage and ordination of gay persons as clergy.
The traditionalist Wesleyan Covenant Association already has taken steps toward forming a new
denomination, such as drafting a book of policies and doctrines. Bickerton and the Rev. Keith Boyette,
WCA president, said the negotiating team’s assumption is that the new church would emerge out of the
WCA.Boyette was part of the group developing the proposal. He said traditionalists have long felt that
divisions in The United Methodist Church were irreparable, and that an amicable separation was the
best way forward. “I believe this is a fair and equitable solution that puts decades of conflict behind us
and gives us a hopeful future,” he said.
Also negotiating and signing onto the agreement was Jan Lawrence, executive director of Reconciling
Ministries Network, which has long sought to remove restrictions against LGBTQ participation in the
denomination.
“As a United Methodist who is LGBTQ, my priority at the table was to make sure we addressed the full
participation of LGBTQ people in the life of the church, making sure the answer was not `ask us again
in 2024,’” she said. “The language needs to be removed now. I am pleased that there is opportunity here
for that to happen in 2020.”
The new proposal would allow other United Methodist churches to form their own denominations, while
foreseeing ecumenical agreements and cooperation on some fronts.
Representatives of traditionalist, centrist and progressive advocacy groups joined with a handful of
bishops from the U.S., Africa, Europe and the Philippines to reach the agreement. They promised to
support it and no other. “We humbly offer to the delegates of the 2020 General Conference the work
which we have accomplished in the hopes that it will help heal the harms and conflicts within the body of
Christ and free us to be more effective witnesses to God’s Kingdom,” said Bishop John Yambasu of
Sierra Leone, who last summer began the private talks that led to the proposal.
The group had the help of Feinberg, who oversaw the victims’ compensation funds after 9/11 and the
BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster. Feinberg donated his time, as did other lawyers who helped the
group. “(Feinberg) has a deep interest in religion and the preservation of the public witness of religion,
and this is what intrigued him and enabled him to say `yes’ to us,” Bickerton said. “We are extremely
indebted.” Feinberg called it “an honor and a privilege” to be part of the negotiations.
he FAQ accompanying the protocol directly addresses post-separation realities:
“The United Methodist Church will be smaller. The church will need to quickly assess the impact of
churches leaving and adjust infrastructure and spending accordingly. The long-term solution lies in the
broad reform that is needed.”
Various plans for dramatically restructuring or breaking up The United Methodist Church are already
headed to the 2020 General Conference, and a range of behind-the-scenes talks about the
denomination’s future have been underway.
“The fact that we were able to come together from across the world, from across theological spectrums
and define an opportunity to collaborate for the sake of the church we all love is a monumental thing,”
Bickerton said. To read the entire article, go to umnews.org.

6. vs.
It’s that time of year football fans! So here’s the game plan:
We are collecting cans of soup on January 12, 19 & 26 and on
Super/Souper Bowl Sunday, February 2, 2019!
Place your donations of soup in the BIN you think will WIN!
We will have collection bins available for each conference in the Main Sanctuary.
Help us collect 200 cans of soup and tackle hunger for the
North Hollywood Inter-Faith Food Pantry.
*Please consider donating soups high in protein or heartier soups
ABOUT OUR UPCOMING GUEST PASTOR
Rev. Kirsten S. Oh, Ph.D. is an ordained elder in full connection in the
California Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, and
represents the United Methodist Church at the National Council of
Churches of Christ Faith and Order commission. Prior to arriving at Azusa
Pacific University, she was the dean of student life at the Claremont School
of Theology and has served as pastor of several United Methodist Churches
in Southern California, particularly as a youth and young adult pastor. She
regularly preaches and lectures at churches and retreats, and she remains an
active member of First United Methodist Church, Pasadena. Along with
Cameron Lee and Candace Shields, Oh worked on a published Wabash
research project titled “Theological Education in a Multicultural
Environment: Empowerment or Disempowerment?” (Theological
Education, Vol. 43, No. 2, Fall 2008). Oh also published a chapter in
Mirrored Reflections (Wipf & Stock, 2010) titled “Irit Redeemed: Casting
My Lot With Lot’s Wife” in 2010. Her areas of scholarship interest include,
but are not limited to, the intersection between narrative theology and
narrative therapy. Oh is married to Scott Russell and enjoys living her life to
the fullest in Christ. Her hobbies include music, reading, swimming, hiking,
and traveling.
Rev. Kirsten Oh will be with us on Sunday, January 26th on a very special
day that includes UMW Sunday and the baptism of Maya Lau. There will
be a special luncheon following worship, hosted by the Silva-Lau families.

7. Martin Luther King Jr., whose life and legacy
we honor this month, spoke often about the
power of love. In fact, he equated the practice
of nonviolence with “absolute commitment to
the way of love.”
Love, declared the minister and activist, “is the
only force capable of transforming an enemy
into a friend.” And, he said, anyone who’s
“devoid of the power to love” is “devoid of the
power to forgive.”
King distinguished between true love and
“empty sentimentalism,” however. He taught
— and showed — that love is “the active
outpouring of one’s whole being into the being
of another.”
Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate
“active outpouring” of love, and we can choose
to follow his example daily.
“Because of Calvary I’m free to choose,” writes
Max Lucado in When God Whispers Your Name.
“No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice
warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will
love God and what God loves.”

8. AWESOME ADVENT & CHRISTMAS 2019

10. Wishing you a year filled with blessings!
Love, Your Church Family
January 4 Molly Moffatt
January 6 Anthony Duffy
January 8 Paul Ellis
January 9 Dexter Moffatt
January 10 Pam Orchard
January 11 Abbey Thomas
January 11 Emma Thomas
January 16 Jake Orchard
January 24 Dennis Parnell
January 24 Steve Watts
January 26 Annabelle Peat
January 28 Julie Shuford
January 30 Phillip Mottaz
Roger Eshleman's sister, Joan, continues to need prayers of healing.
Muffett Brinkman’s dad, Michael, was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. Prayers for the family.
Tonya Peat requests prayers for her friend Ali, who has been diagnosed with colon cancer for a second
time and it has metastasized and also for her friend Jenn, a single mother, who was just diagnosed with
breast cancer.
Tracy Hagan’s clinical trial for treatment to slow the growth of her metastatic cancer was approved by
insurance after a compassion plea was sent in by her doctors. She also believes it is because of all the
prayers.
Pastor Mary Dennis requests prayers for her son-in-law’s family who recently lost his mother.
Would you like to sponsor our weekly altar
flowers in 2020
Flowers are in honor or memory of loved one are
just a $30 donation per arrangement.
Arrangements will be in a portable container and
you will be able to take the entire arrangement home
with you. Please help us make our worship visually
inspiring by signing up to sponsors flowers.
Sign up by contacting the church office:
nohofumc@pacbell.net
Keven McConnell was in a car accident back home in
Oklahoma. He stayed in OK to recuperate and will be back in
town soon.
Pastor Andy Schweibert who had multiple clots in his lungs
and was treated for pulmonary embolism. He is on a blood
thinner treatment plan.

11. LECTIONARY READINGS FOR JANUARY 2020
January 5 Epiphany Sunday. White or Gold.
Isa 60:1-6; Ps. 72:1-7, 10-14 (UMH 795); Eph. 3:1-12; Matt 2:1-12
January 12 First Sunday After the Epiphany. Baptism of the Lord. White or Gold.
Isa. 42:1-9; Ps. 29 (UMH 761); Acts 10:34-43; Matt. 3:13-17
January 19 Second Sunday After the Epiphany. Human Relations Sunday. Green.
Isa. 49:1-7; Ps. 40:1-11 (UMH 774); 1 Cor. 1:1-9; John 1:29-42
January 26 Third Sunday After the Epiphany. Green.
Isa. 9:1-4; Ps. 27:1, 4-9 (UMH 758); 1 Cor. 1:10-18; Matt. 4:12-23
8:15 AM Worship Services in Boyer Chapel
January 5 - Pastor Steve January 12 - Norman Kelsey
January 19 - Patty Kelsey January 26 - Sandra Smith
Please have your articles for the Good News to the church office by January 17th for the February 2020 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
Sunday Worship Services at 10:30 AM in the Main Sanctuary
Children’s Sunday School meets at 10:30 AM in the Community Room/Nursery
Adult Sunday School meets on the 2nd, 4th & 5th Sundays of the month. 9:00 AM in Boyer Chapel.
Children’s Message during 10:30 worship service. Except Communion Sunday.
Communion will be celebrated on January 5th at 8:15 AM and 10:30 AM worship services.
“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.”