Monthly Newsletter

1. First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood
GOOD NEWS
e-mail: nohofumc@pacbell.net
FEBRUARY 2017
facebook.com/nohofumc1 www.nohofumc.com
IN THIS ISSUE:
• Multi-Cultural Potluck
• Scout Sunday
• Operation Gratitude
• Ash Wednesday March 1
A NOTE FROM PASTOR JOEY
In 1 Corinthians 1:22-23 Paul writes, “For Jews demand signs and
Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling
block to Jews and folly to Gentiles.” The tension is between wisdom
and power. Some want religion and the experience of faith to be
wise beyond measure, irrefutable, authoritative. Others want a life
of faith filled with power and experience of the Holy. Paul in fact
infers that both are elements of the experience he knows in Christ,
but to the groups in question, Paul’s witness presents roadblocks to
the faith experience.
Paul is not picking on the Jewish community, remember he is a Jew
as is Jesus. He is not making fun of the Greeks or Gentiles either,
for they both were of prime interest to him in terms of mission and
conversion. Paul’s interest was expressing the Good News of
Christ, and here he pointedly states the risks found in sharing the
Good News.
Those same risks exist today. We live in a highly technological age.
Information comes to us quickly and powerfully from our
computers, radios, and televisions. While these may be used as tools
for ministry, the most effective expressions of faith are still the
written and spoken word. To those who live with absolutes, no
expression is effective, and we (or rather our faith) remains foolish or
a stumbling block.
Do we then stop sharing the Good News of Jesus? Of course not!
We are called by the love of Christ to witness. To share what we
have experienced. To tell what we know to be true of God’s love.
To do so in worship, with song, and prayer, and in the very way we
live. To do so, not because all will believe, but that all may believe.
Your Friend and Pastor,
Joey
GOOD NEWS is published monthly by
First United Methodist Church of North
Hollywood, California 91601
Phone (818) 763-8231
Grant Hagiya
Bishop
Rev. James R. Powell
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
Tonya Peat
Director, Outreach Ministries

2. COME AND WORSHIP
The following Bible passages will be the basis for the 10:30 messages in February
Please take time each week to read the selected passages.
February 5 Spiritual I.Q. 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16)
February 12 The Rule Of Love Psalm 119:1-8
February 19 The Extra Measure Matthew 5:38-48
February 26 Storytelling Exodus 24:12-18
HIGHLIGHTS OF WORSHIP
January 1 - Today was Epiphany Sunday! Norman Kelsey & Phillip Mottaz shared January
announcements. Pastor Joey’s sermon, “Bottled Hope,” was based on Hebrews 2:10-18. We also
shared in the sacrament of communion.
January 8 - This Sunday was highlighting the Baptism of The Lord. Patty Kelsey shared an object
lesson with the kids about the naming of Jesus at his baptism. Jeff Thomas sang, “Safe Within Your
Arms,” for Just As We Are. Our canned soup collection began today and went on throughout the
month of January. Isaiah 42:1-9, was the lectionary scripture that Pastor Joey based his message on
titled, “Servant Not Servile.”
January 15 - We celebrated a United Methodist Special Sunday, Human Relations Day, by requesting
a special offering towards extending a helping hand to those in crisis so they can overcome formidable
obstacles. Jeff Thomas shared, “Were It Not For Grace,” this morning. Pastor Joey’s sermon, “On
Grace and Peace,” was based on 1 Corinthians 1:1-9.
January 22 - Today was United Methodist Women Sunday! Women of the congregation took part in
many aspects of worship. Special Music was a lovely song by sopranos, Libeck Kadu & Jodie Smith,
“Hands United In Peace.” We were blessed to have Bishop Mary Ann Swenson in the pulpit. The
Bishop shared a message based on Isaiah 9:1-4 and 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, in a sermon titled, “Lights,
Action: Holiness and Hope, Oceans of Justice and Love.” Other UMW members who participated in
the service were Kathi Ellis, Lynn Yoshizumi, Deanne Cox, Wendy Welch, Jodi Smith, Libeck Kadu,
and members of the United Methodist Women who greeted and ushered this morning.
January 29 - The last sunday of January we shared in a lovely worship service themed after justice,
kindness and walking humbly with God. Jeff Thomas shared special music, “In This Very Room.”
Pastor Joey’s sermon, “Required Living,” was based on Micah 6:1-8.
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Those who contributed more than $10.00 in 2016 will receive a letter from the finance committee
dated January 23, 2017 with an itemized statement of their financial donations for the past year.
Please direct any questions concerning donations to the church office. This record is distributed
strictly as a courtesy. Please compare to your own personal financial records. Please note that
checks received very late in the year may be deposited in the first month of the following year.

3. What’s Happening in February?
Wednesday, February 8th - UMW Executive
Board Meeting @ 10am. General Luncheon.
12:00 PM in the Lo-Fe-Lo Room. Lunch and
Program. $3 donation.
Tuesday, February 7th
9:00 AM
Magnolia Grille
RSVP. Limit 8 ppl.
Tea Fellowship
Friday, February 17th
11:30 AM
Tea Elle C Cafe
26111 Bouquet Canyon Rd
Carpool at 11am from North Lot
Sunday, February 5th - Souper Sunday! Final
day to bring cans of soup to church today and on
Mission Sunday for the Food Pantry.
Sunday, February 12th- Mission Sunday! Bring
non-perishable foods for the Food Pantry. Soup,
Peanut Butter and Tuna requested. Please bring a few
extra dollars for your offering!
Friday, February 10th - Movie Night hosted by
Methodist Men. 7:00PM, Lounge. Refreshments
and Special Guest. (See details below)
Friday, February 10th
7:00 PM
Lounge
Every Sunday in February - A Focus on Black History
10:30 AM worship. We will have a moment of special music,
poetry or readings that celebrate Black History. We hope you
will find these moments inspiring and educational.
Friday, February 24th - Seventh Annual Multi
Cultural Potluck! Potluck Dinner at 6:00 PM in the
Social Hall! Bring a dish that represents your heritage.
Tuesday, February 28th - Ruth Circle meets at
7:30 PM in the Community Room.
Sunday, February 12th - Scout Sunday will be
celebrated today!
Sunday, February 12th - Visioning Meeting
will meet in Hand in Hand following fellowship.
Monday, February 20th - Tabitha Circle meets at
10:30 AM in the Hand in Hand Room.
PB & J PROJECT
Thursday, February 16th
7:00 PM
Lounge
Join us in the lounge as we make 150
sandwiches that will go to the
homeless who visit the North
Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry.
Thursday, February 16th - PB&J Project meets at
7:00 PM in the Lounge. Come make sandwiches for
the homeless that come to the food pantry. (details below)
Wednesday, March 1st - Ash Wednesday
Worship Service. 6:30 PM. Boyer Chapel.
Wednesday, March 1st - Ash Wednesday. Silent
Prayer & Communion. 6:00 PM. Boyer Chapel.
Tuesday, February 7th - Breakfast Club. 9:00
AM. Magnolia Grill. RSVP. Limit 8 ppl.
Friday, February 17th - Tea Fellowship meets
at Tea Elle C Cafe at 11:30 am. Carpool 11am.
Saturday, February 18th - Church Work Party.
Meet at 9AM in front of the church office patio side.

4. Join us in the Social Hall for one of the most
wonderful shared events in our community! It is a
night of delicious food,cultural appreciation and
fellowship!
We are requesting church members to
bring a dish to share that best represents
your heritage.
(This also includes serving utensils.)
NoHo FUMC will be responsible for decorating
3 tables for the event based on your country of origin.
We will also do a Mission focused table.
If you would like to create a table centerpiece based on
your heritage, please contact Patty in the church office.
The Wesley School &
North Hollywood FUMC
8th Annual Multi-Cultural Potluck
Friday, February 24th at 6:00 PM
ALL HANDS ON DECK!
Saturday, February 18th
9:00 AM
Meet in front of the Church Office
We're organizing an opportunity to come spruce up, clean up and fix up the church grounds.
Below is a specialty skills list. Please check all that apply for yourself and drop into church office
mail slot or hand to church staff. We already assume folks know how to dust, vacuum, organize.
NAME: ________________________________Email/Phone: _________________________
Do you have these skills to offer your church?
Painting
Minor plumbing (running sinks, etc.)Gardening
Minor electrical (install lights, replace switches, etc.)
Minor carpentry (add shelves, weather seals, etc.)

5. Special event screening of Sweet Home Alabama! Hosted by
the Methodist Men. As some of you know, the movie was
based on a story by Doug Eboch.
Sweet Home Alabama, according to Wikipedia, is "a 2002
American romantic comedy film directed by Andy Tennant
and starring Reese Witherspoon (at age 26), Josh Lucas,
Patrick Dempsey, and Candice Bergen." There are many
twists in the plot. It cost $30 million to make, but
grossed close to $200 Million, including proceeds from
overseas.
Doug will be there to introduce it and to answer questions
afterwards. Refreshments will include Valentine's Day
goodies and punch. Bring a friend to enjoy.
Friday, February 10th
7:00 PM
Lounge
LIGHTS, ACTION: HOLINESS AND HOPE, OCEANS OF
JUSTICE AND LOVE
Our church was blessed by Bishop Mary Ann Swenson on United
Methodist Women Sunday, January 22, 2017!
Bishop Swenson invited us to action! Now that Jesus, the one true
light, has come! The Bishop encouraged us to go forth in action
towards holiness and justice. Speaking of holiness as spiritual fitness:
Being a place where people can learn how to love, to trust, to hope,
to forgive, to gain wisdom for life.
Holiness as wholeness: Wholeness is being the best person you can
be, being free of all that inhibits your growth as a human being,
being healed and complete--fully human, fully alive, fully open to
God and the World.
Holiness as resilience: The power to bounce back when knocked
down by failure, illness, disappointment, tragedy, or suffering.
Good reminders! Resilience, wholeness, spiritual fitness!
Let us continue living and learning the story of God by taking time
to disconnect and reconnect in holy spaces. By living intentional and
ethical living. Our holiness produces hope and we need that more
than ever!

6. THE WESLEY SCHOOL & THE NORTH HOLLYWOOD INTERFAITH FOOD PANTRY
by Lynn Yoshizumi
Like our church, The Wesley School is committed to service in the community and in the world. The following,
taken from their website, explains the philosophy behind this commitment:
“Service Learning facilitates student learning in and out of the classroom by encouraging and allowing our children
to address real needs in the community. Students connect their educational experiences to life beyond the school
environment by using their developing skills to undertake activities that include raising money and awareness,
championing causes, and volunteering. They learn first-hand the value of social responsibility and citizenship.
Service learning is fully realized when both the providers and the recipients of the service benefit from the
activities.”
Each grade level has adopted a meaningful project to which they can apply their problem-solving skills. Some of
those projects benefit the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry. The 2nd Grade Service Learning project
focuses on homelessness & hunger. They have learned about the needs of the homeless and supply sandwiches to
the Pantry once a month.
The 3rd Grade class is supporting child clients of the Pantry as part of their service learning this year. Twice a year,
students will create activity bags for children at the Pantry, including coloring books, markers, stamps, stickers, and
words of inspiration. They created bags for the holidays in December.
In addition, each Friday during the school year, The Wesley School Student Council sponsors a school wide canned
food collection in support of the Pantry, with parent volunteers taking turns driving the donations to the nearby
collection facility. To create awareness about the Pantry and its needs, last fall members of the Student Council
made a very interesting video about the Pantry. You can view it and see their talent by going to https://vimeo.com/
184064013/7b398ab95c. And just before Thanksgiving, in the spirit of holiday giving, families are encouraged to
bring a bag filled with food and household items to be donated to the Pantry.
5
TOUCHDOWN!
Thank you so much for your generosity and
donations towards Souper Bowl Sunday!
We went beyond our goal of 200 cans, one week
before the Super Bowl! Soup will go to the North
Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry!
VS.88 140

7. If you shop at Food4Less, you can use your
Food4Less Rewards card to benefit the North
Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry in the
same way that the Ralphs Rewards card
benefits the Pantry. If you don’t already have
a Food4Less Rewards card, ask for one at the
checkout counter or see Lynn Yoshizumi.
The easiest way to register the Rewards card
is to call 1-800-443-4438.
Please remember that your organization’s
number is 94711 and the name is Faith
Presbyterian Church. If you have registered
correctly, you will see at the bottom of the
receipt “Food 4 Less is donating to FAITH
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.” At the
present time the Pantry is receiving about
$125 per quarter from Ralphs Rewards and
$25 from Food4Less Rewards. Our peanut
butter and jam sandwiches help the Pantry in
2 ways because we purchase the bread at
Food4Less.
WINTER SHELTER PROGRAM
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority
Winter Shelter Program will continue through
March 1, 2017. There is an emergency shelter at
The Hope of the Valley Sylmar Armory, 12860
Arroyo Drive, Sylmar, 818-207-8776. Those in need
are encouraged to go to one of the listed pick-up
points for free transportation below:
Sun Valley - Hope of the Valley
8165 San Fernando Road.
6PM. Thrift Store - Van #1
North Hollywood - Outside McDonald’s
8045 Lankershim Blvd
6:30 pm - Van #1
Van Nuys - In front of the bus bench
6212 Van Nuys Blvd
6 pm, 6:30 pm, 8 pm - Van #2
Walk-up guests are welcome, shelter opens at 5 pm.
No shopping carts will be allowed in the shelter, but
each guest may bring one small bag. The program
provides homeless individuals with essential
overnight shelter and meals. In addition access to
supportive services and housing assistance is
provided. For more information, call the Winter
Shelter Hotline, 1-800-548-6047 or visit
www.lahsa.org. UMC Giving Tuesday 2016 was a huge success!
156 United Methodist missionaries and
446 United Methodist-related projects
will receive $853,909.78 raised in one day as we
celebrated generosity together on Giving
Tuesday.
More than 2,550 people in 19 countries
made contributions that day.
And every one of those dollars is going exactly
where its donor specified it should go.

8. Operation Gratitude welcome’s every volunteer, age 12 and up, to join them on as many days and for as
many hours that we can spare and are comfortable.
As in the past, we welcome children ages 12 and older; those ages 12-16 must have a responsible adult with
transportation on the premises at all times. Due to insurance, liability and safety concerns, we must strictly
adhere to these rules–there are no exceptions. Children younger than 12 years are encouraged to write
letters.
The following Volunteer Assembly Days have been scheduled for 2017 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Dates and times are subject to change so please check the website to be sure.
Saturday, February 25th
Saturday, March 18th
Saturday, April 22nd
Saturday, May 20th
Sunday, June 25th
Saturday, July 15th
Saturday, August 19th
Saturday, September 23rd
Sunday, October 22nd
Saturday, November 18th
Saturday, December 16th
Assembly work includes production of the care packages, labeling, taping, letter reading and writing,
running packages, re-stocking the lines, breaking down cartons and many other tasks. In addition, if time
allows, we will provide instruction and materials for making Paracord ‘Survival’ Bracelets and Battalion
Buddies on-site. There are sitting and standing jobs for everyone on all Volunteer & Assembly Days.
On some occasions, gourmet food trucks will be on-site during the lunch hour. Each vendor has agreed to
donate 10% of all proceeds back to Operation Gratitude. We encourage anyone interested to bring cash to
cover the cost of their meal, which ranges from $5 to $12.
For more information, check your confirmation email as your registered assembly day gets closer
Each Care Package includes $75 to $100 worth of donated product such as books, DVDs, CDs, magazines,
entertainment items, hygiene products, snacks, handmade items such as hats, scarves and paracord
bracelets, and much more! But cash is needed to pay the $15 it costs to ship each package. You can donate
at www.operationgratitude.com or by mail to: Operation Gratitude, P.O. Box 260257, Encino, CA
91426-025.
Operation Gratitude Forward Operating Base
21100 Lassen Street
Chatsworth, CA 91311

9. 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 10 Daisy Galvis
February 13 Olivia Christian
February 12 Michael Cox
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
Jim Tyree’s cousin, Sylvia Skali’s husband, Michael (age 67) died instantly in a car accident.
Ralph Seybold’s daughter-in-law, Bobbi, is still suffering from some of the symptoms caused by contracting the
West Nile Virus. Recently she had a procedure to reverse the paralysis of her left leg. She is able to drive an
SUV that has been adapted for her disability but has difficulty getting around with a walker when she is not in
the car.
Charles Minetree’s Uncle Eric Anderson passed away and he would like prayers for the family.
Dorothy Tyler is at Country Villa Rehab in North Hills.
Ed Zung underwent a procedure to place metal stents in his kidneys and has good and bad days with his
digestive system.
Our former Pastor, Dr. John Nagel, and wife Barbara's son Daniel has been battling cancer for over a year.
Instead of Chemo, he is taking some new medication, but he still needs our prayers.
Keven McConnell was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy and is getting better, however, is not 100%.
Teri Geiger was diagnosed with terminal cancer which has metastasized. She is trying chemotherapy.
Norman Kelsey’s Uncle, David Vail, is still fighting bladder cancer.
Norman’s family friend, Tracy Ritter, has adenoid cancer again and will be undergoing surgery to remove the
cancer on February 6th
Matt Rogers, son of Pattie, is struggling with severe depression.
Margaret Dixon is homebound but is well and enjoys visitors.
Joyce Cunningham would not mind notes and visitors.
Marion Elkerton is homebound and misses church and the congregation.

10. Reflections
Dr. Joey K. McDonald
Reflections are part of the weekly bulletin inserts for worship. This writing is originally from January 9, 2000.
and Pastor Joey’s sermon was titled “How Creatures Say Awe,” based on Genesis 1:1-5.
In the first chapter of the book of Genesis the story of creation is told. Scholars call this a
creation myth, which to our western ears translates as untruth. However, to the Near Eastern
author of the text, myth meant the ring of truth told in story narrative.
The basis of the creation story is that out of chaos God created order, and in that order gave
humans the most prominent place. Partners with God in paradise, in the sense of our
responsibility to God for ourselves and the earth. While it may be daunting to think of
ourselves as creators, it is consistent with the pattern of the Bible story.
For out of the void God created and said it was good. Then God gave dominion over creation
to humans. The word dominion carries with it such heady words as domain and sovereignty,
which means power over, but not ownership of. In this thinking, because of the authority God
has bestowed, we become co-creators with God.
Let us think about creation in this New Year. For to take creation seriously would mean to look
around at the birds, mountains, oceans, trees, and you and me and understand that God made
these and more then said, hey, this is good stuff.
More importantly, as co-creators, we might begin to think about what it is we desire to create.
Each day do we seek to build up, bless and beautify? Is our aim, order, empowerment and a
celebration of the good? To do otherwise would require our Bibles to read, “In the beginning
God said let there be light (and it was dim and marginal at best).” The text in fact reads that
God said creation is good. We do well to remember that three quarters of the word good are
the letters G-O-D. Now that’s the truth!

11. OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORSHIP
February 5 Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany. Green.
Isa. 58:1-12; Ps. 112:1-10 (UMH 833); 1 Cor. 2:1-12; Matt. 5:13-20
February 12 Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany. Scouts Sunday. Green.
Deut. 30:15-20; Ps. 119:1-8 (UMH 840-841); 1 Cor. 3:1-9; Matt. 5:21-37
February 19 Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany. Green.
Lev. 19:1-2, 9-18; Ps. 119:33-40 (UMH 841-842); 1 Cor. 3:10-11, 16-23; Matt. 5:38-48
February 26 Transfiguration of the Lord. Green.
Exo. 24:12-18; Ps. 99 (UMH 819); 2 Pet. 1:16-21; Matt. 17:1-9
8:15 AM Worship Services in Boyer Chapel
February 5 - Pastor Joey February 12 - Sandra Smith
February 19 - Patty or Norman Kelsey February 26 - Sandra Smith
Please have your articles for the Good News to the church office by February 17th for the March 2017 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
Children’s Sunday School meets at 10:30 AM in the Community Room/Nursery
Children’s Message third Sunday of the month during 10:30 worship service
Communion will be celebrated on February 5th at 8:15 AM and 10:30 AM worship services.