September 02, 2009 Vol. 26, Issue 18

OFFICE: (818) 886-1555 FAX: (818) 886-9105

WWW.NORTHRIDGEUMC.ORG WEEKDAY PRESCHOOL: (818) 886-4949 SUNDAY WORSHIP AT 9:00 & 11:00 AM

BISHOP MARY ANN SWENSON DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT CATHLEEN COOTS REV. STANLEY FERGUSON KATHERINE STANFILL, DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

P U B L I S H E D B I—W E E K L Y

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

Unemployment Support Group Forming A new Support group will start on Tuesday, September 8. The group will meet from 11 AM to noon in the Li-brary and continues on every Tuesday, led by Pastor Stan. This is a support group for those who have lost their jobs and are seeking employment. It will be a time to share one’s story and concerns. Also those who have positions available may send job openings to Pastor Stan.

‘we are family’ Homecoming Sunday, September 13

One Service @ 10 AM Share in the Food, Fun, Music & Activities for All Ages

Missions Music

Membership Fun & Games

Donate School Supplies It’s that time of the year when children think about going “back to school.” Church and Society is sponsoring a school supplies

drive for children who may not have the resources to buy the things they need for school. You can donate items (paper, pens, pencils, notebooks, etc.) by bringing them to church Sundays (throughout September) and leaving them in the donation box in Fel-lowship Hall (near the magazine table).

Choir Season Begins The choir season begins September 6 with a dramatic increase in numbers. A new excitement is in the air as we prepare for church services as well as concerts with the new organ. The choir is planning their first concert at 3 PM, Octo-ber 4, 2009. It will be one of nostalgia, remembrance and of course romance with solos and choir singing music from Irving Berlin's America, Les Miz and Phantom of the Opera. A free will offering will be taken.

NUMC Softball Team Seeks New Players

NUMC is starting another fun-filled season of adult co-ed softball right after Labor Day. We are looking for new players to fill our roster for our Wednesday evening games. If you are interested, please contact Jim Sanchez through the church office. Our first game is at 7:30 PM, Wednesday, September 9, in Balboa Park.

Open Hearts

Our condolences to Cindy Fincke on the sudden death of her mother. Our condolences to Linda Grantham on the death of her mother and uncle in Trinidad. Our condolences to Bill Margadant on the death of his cousin, Barbara York.

Prayers of healing for: Bill Bowen; Blair (young father and friend of Darlene Anderson, stroke); Freeman Crutchfield; Marion Dugan; Ed Farrow; Masakatsu Iwai; Pete Regina; Ruth Sanders; Ruth Scheppers; Richard Summers and Bill Ulrich (Bob’s brother).

Prayers of safety for: All our Service Personnel serving at home and abroad.

Membership Class Offered If you would like to know more about Northridge United Methodist Church and are considering becoming a member of our congregation — please join Pastor Stan in his office from 10 to 11 AM on Sunday, September 6th, for a Membership Class. You can RSVP to the office or just show up. All are welcome.

Voices

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HUNGARY:

Let’s Keep the Ball Rolling Things seem to be going better at the Methodist Church in Budapest and the folks there really appreciate our help. Coincidently, it is now time to put together our commit-ment for year three of our partnership program. That may be a bit more challenging for us this year because of the recession. At the same time, our help to our partner church is more important than ever. Why? Here are a couple of very good reasons: First is momentum. We need to help them to keep the ball rolling. Nothing more needs to be said about that part. Second is that our recession is less severe than theirs. According to the Wall Street Journal, Hungary has been especially hard hit. Therefore, our financial assistance is more important than ever. About a year ago, I suggested that just about anybody could easily afford about a buck a week. Well, just about anybody, I am ready to collect. Gordon Short, Missions Team Steve Wheatley, Chair

Forest Lawn Internment Spaces For Sale The church owns two internment spaces in the Wee Kirk Churchyard, Forest Lawn, Glendale. Prior to offer-ing them to the general public, the Trustees are offering them to the members and friends of NUMC. Forest Lawn values them at $4000 each, but the Trustees will consider any reasonable offer. For further information, please leave a message for Bruce Keeler in the Church Office.

Conference-wide Event

Mothers and Daughters Retreat Planned The second annual Conference-wide Mother-Daughter retreat will be held at the beautiful Alders-gate Retreat & Cultural Center located in Pacific Palisades from September 11 to 13. Deadline for reg-istration is September 8. This retreat, designed especially for girls 4th to 8th grade and their mothers, is being led this year by Dr. Deborah Oh, Professor at Cal-State University Los Angeles and Pastor of Everlasting Covenant Fellow-ship at Los Feliz United Methodist Church. This retreat is designed to “pamper mothers and daughters physically and spiritually” by strengthen-ing relationships through scriptural teaching. Cost for the retreat is $280 for one mother and one daughter ($85 for each additional person in the fam-ily) and includes program materials, lodging and meals. For more information or to register, please contact Rev. Samuel Yun at syun@cal-pac.org or log onto the website at: www.CalPacCamps.org

Have you ever given consideration to how many types of houses there are, and to what thoughts come to mind when you see them in your reading or hear them in con-versation? How about "the House that Ruth built," or "the House of Mirth" or "the White House," or "in the dog house," or the "Joss House" or "a house is not a home," or "The House of Seven Gables," or "a house of cards"? There are the political houses, too, ones such as the House of Commons or the House of Representatives. Houses can be many things: shelters, dwellings, institu-tions, or for a particular purpose. Now then, what do you think about when we speak of a House of Worship? Is not that our special place? our religious home? Does that suggest certain rituals, prac-tices and observations which turn our thoughts and feel-ings toward God and our savior, Jesus Christ? Is it no surprise that a survey taken in our own Church Council placed worship as a high priority? If we agree that each of us possesses a soul - a spirit, if you will - then we need to search for ways to replenish and strengthen that quality, just as we follow exercise regimens for our body and pursue intellectual activities for our mind. We certainly have our share of gyms and

schools to address the demands of the physical and the mental, and where we participate in great numbers. While we have numerous churches to attend for our spiritual needs, let us be aware than in terms of raw num-bers, it is safe to predict that far more people engage in physical exercises and belong to gyms, and that far more people enroll in schools, classes, and educational pro-grams, than those who belong to and attend a church. Consider the observation made, and decide for yourself as to the validity of the conclusion about church atten-dance. So, what about us in the Northridge Methodist Church? Are we so unusual in the life we lead? As blessed as we are, should we not reach out to others so that they can join with us in our House of Worship? Sun-day mornings represent that time in our weekly schedule when we can fully devote our thoughts and emotions to God and Jesus. We can replenish our spiritual needs and desires. Our cup runneth over. Let us reach out to others, invite them to share in God's love, and delight in the knowledge that the doors to our House of Worship are always open. For the Membership Team, Charles Mortensen

A Mindful Methodist

Join the Prayer Chain Team Volunteers pray daily for those who are ill or in need. If you would like to be a part of this ongo-ing service to those in need, call Ruth Sanders or

the church office and become a member of the Prayer Chain Team.

Memorial Garden

Presale Prices Available Now

Presale prices for Columbarium niches and Memorial Wall plaques have been in effect throughout the con-struction period. With construction now complete, the Memorial Garden Board has decided to retain presale prices until Homecoming, scheduled for September 13, 2009. After Homecoming, niches and plaques will be offered at their regular price of $2,500 for niches and $400 for plaques. We encourage you to take advantage of the reduced prices while they are still available.

The Memorial Garden Board

Building Schools One Penny at a Time

You can impact poverty and lack of education through something most people consider worthless: a penny. One penny buys a pencil and opens the door to literacy. One hundred pennies will fund one child’s educa-tion for an entire month. Join Pennies For Peace and give lasting hope to children half a world away. Drop your pennies in the large jar un-der the world map in the narthex and help educate those less fortunate.

Open Hearts

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Volunteer Ushers Needed Please Help! We are in great need of more people to volunteer for ushering at both services. It is a great way to get acquainted, if you are new at NUMC. Please contact Ken Buttrey or call the church office if you are interested in being an usher.

Recycle Batteries at Target The City of Los Angeles has partnered with Target stores to recycle batteries, which are illegal to dispose of in your trash bins. Take your used batteries to the cus-tomer service window at your local Target store.

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Open Minds

Arson Rebuild Teams Complete Work The Arson Rebuild 2009 teams have completed their work on the Greater Bethelpore Baptist Church in Salem, Alabama. The Cal-Pac Conference of the United Method-ist Church sent 4 teams culminating with the team (pictured above) that included Rev. Mark Ulrickson, Rev. Rich Garner & Rev. Joey McDonald. Also on the team were Ric Wilson (Northridge), Ian McDonald, Aaron McDonald, and Kim Deason (North Hollywood), How-ard Fallman (Glendale) and Greg Poland (Santa Ana). The team was able to finish the dry-walling of the church (pictured at right) as well as get several of the ex-terior doors installed. The congregation of Bethelpore are an amazing and joyful group of people who hope to be able to turn this tragedy into a hopeful and growing future for their small congregation. (Pictured below are three lovely ladies of the Bethelpore congregation.) Thanks to NUMC for supporting this very worthy mis-sion for the 8th time. To any who are interested, you can block out the 3rd week of August 2010, as we hope to be helping another congregation rebuild.

GETTING INVOLVED — Church and Society mem-bers visited Congressman Henry Waxman’s office in Los Angeles, delivering letters and meeting with Lisa Pinto, a staff member. Pictured, left to right, Lisa Pinto, Nancy Taylor, Frank McGinnis, Martha Bell, Joann DeSantis, Barbara Shields, Elizabeth Beckman and Teresa Priem.

Open Minds

The Frank Marocco Quartet, featuring accordion, bass, saxophone, and drums, will play for our Septem-ber 20 Jazz Vespers service at 5 PM in the sanctuary. Nancy Taylor will be the featured artist at this month’s popular service of jazz and art. Frank Marocco leads the quartet, playing accordion. He has 2 Grammy's and has done music for all kinds of TV and film productions. Frank traveled with Bob Hope, visiting troops around the world, and was fea-tured on the Les Brown Band. More recently, he has been busy in the studio doing soundtracks for movies, television series and advertising jingles. He also com-poses jazz and classical music. Jon Whinnery, on alto sax, is a very busy West coast player who is an expert on Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh Music. Jon is a much sought-after woodwind teacher, as well as busy playing in clubs and festivals, including the Playboy Jazz festival. John Giannelli is a very well-known Jazz bassist who toured and recorded with Sarah Vaughn and Carmen McRae. He also has a Studio in Northridge (Giannelli Square) where he holds Jazz concerts along with his wife Rhonda, who holds Piano recitals for her students. Joe Correro, on drums, grew up playing music in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, where he recorded with Steve Cropper and Duck Dunn at Stax Records and American Records. He relocated to Los Angeles when asked to play with Paul Revere and the Raiders, and recorded with the group for the next four years. Joe was presented the National Academy of Recording Arts and Science, Best Jazz Vocal Performance, for his contribu-tion on “Look to the Rainbow” with Al Jarreau. All of these wonderful musicians will perform at the September Jazz Vespers at 5 PM, Sunday, September 20, in the sanctuary.

New You Relaxes at Pool Party The Luau pool party held last month at Anne Early's was a fabulous success. Of special note was the ukulele music provided by Fran Ulrich and Sally Taylor. We were all in the right mood for fun and relaxation (see pic-ture at left). Splashing in the pool was followed by a sumptuous buffet. We look forward to another luau, next summer!! Our September meeting day (the first Monday of the month) falls on Labor Day thus, we will not meet in Sep-tember. Our next meeting will be at 7 PM, Monday, Oc-tober 5, at the home of Dorine Collins. All women of the church are welcome to enjoy our meetings. Please call Barbara Hamilton or Joanne DeSantis for information.

JAZZ VESPERS — Frank Marocco and his accordion, at right, will lead a quartet offering the music for our next Jazz Vespers service on September 20.

Music and Art

Jazz Vespers Celebrates THE CAROL ROBBINS QUARTET presented their music at the August Jazz Vespers Service. The next Jazz Vespers Service is scheduled for September 20 and fea-tures the Frank Marocco Quartet.

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Our Busy Congregation ...

Articles Due for Next Newsletter Articles for the next newsletter, dated Sep-tember 16, should be submitted to the church office before 4 PM, Thursday, September 10, 2009.

Members Exchange Thoughts The Book Club will meet on Monday, September 28th, at 7 PM, at the home of Nancy Taylor, to discuss Stieg Larsson’s book, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” Please call Nancy if you would like to join us. The book for the October meeting is “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak.

Open Doors

For fellowship & fine dining. Wednesday, September 2nd

6 PM In Fellowship Hall Free-will Offering

Please sign up after Church or call the office

@ 886-1555 The Soul Food Café is open

the first Wednesday of the month.

September

Soul Food Café

In order to make enough food for everyone, the Soul Food team needs to know how many to prepare for. Please sign up after church or call the office.

Dinner Bridge Sat., Sept 12th – 5:30 PM In Kendall Bldg.

For reservations, please call one of our co-hosts, Roz & Bill Conroy or Pearl Adams & Joann DeSantis, by Tues-day, September 8th. Please note change of location. Documentary Focuses on Mentally Ill

The next Church & Society Movie is “out of the shadow” which will screen at 7 PM on Tuesday, Septem-ber 8th, in the Kendall Building, on the new built-in big-screen TV. In this documentary, filmmaker Susan Smiley focuses on her schizophrenic mother and what life is like for someone with a mental illness. The film shows Millie Smiley’s harrowing journey from life in a mental hospital (where she is totally detached from reality) to being able to go out and do simple things we take for granted (like enjoying her grandchildren and fast food). The movie also takes an honest look at how the stress and complications of dealing with Millie’s illness affects the members of her family. The film, which won the 2006 Media Award presented by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), also ex-amines how society fails the patient and her family. This documentary will bring a new perspective to our current discussions about healthcare reform and govern-ment budget cuts.

SAVE THE DATES: The 2009 CROP Hunger Walk will be held Sunday, Nov. 8 at St Paul's UMC, 5619 Lindley Ave., Tarzana. The Recruiter Open House will be held from 10 AM to noon on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 at St. Paul's.

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Eat Out Monday Funds Youth Programs “Eat Out Monday!” is September 14th at Baja Fresh, 9159 Reseda Blvd., Northridge. Pick up a flyer in the office and take it to the restaurant between 11 AM and 9 PM, show them your flyer and they will donate to our Children’s and Youth programming. Your participation in this program is a fun way to com-bine eating out, seeing some of your church family and friends, and raising money for a good cause!

“Singled Out” Sparks Interest S.O. is Singled Out. What the heck is that? What is that about? Are you single and looking for a friend to lean on? It’s about you. Are you single and looking to meet other singles that share your interests and goals? It’s about you. Are you single and seeking a spark of romance? It’s about you. If you want to know more, come to the Homecoming Sunday festivities on Sunday, September 13. Visit the booth and sign up for this new singles group at NUMC. Show your support for each other. SO what are you waiting for? Jot it down in your plan-ner, in your palm pilot, on your phone. Just do it now! COME TOGETHER!

Volvo Offers eScrip Program Volvo, in conjunction with eScrip, is offering a pro-gram for those purchasing a new 2010 Volvo, through Dec. 31, 2009. Eligible participants must submit a pre-printed coupon to the retailer at the time of purchase. A $1000 deduction will be made on the sale price and a $500 eScrip contribution will be deposited to NUMC.

Open Doors Open Doors

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September 2009 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

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27 28 29 30

Regularly Scheduled Meetings Tuesdays: Cracker Barrel 10:00 AM Library Sr. Exercise Class 11:30 AM Fellowship Hall Wednesdays: Maintenance Volunteers 8:30 AM Church Office WORMS 9:30 AM Kendall Bldg. Celebration Ringers 7:00 PM Room 5/6 Thursdays: Chancel Choir 7:00 PM Sanctuary Fridays: Cracker Barrel 10:00 AM Library Sundays: Adult Study 8:00 AM Library Sunday School & Nursery 9:00 AM Library Sunday School & Nursery 11:00 AM Ed. Bldg. Senior High Youth Study 10:15 AM YAC Children’s Choir off for summer Fireside Room Cherub’s Choir off for summer Room 5/6 Grief Healing Support Group 10:30 AM Library 4,5,6 Club 11:15 AM YAC

United Methodist Women Contact Person UMW Pat Small Prayer Chain Ruth Sanders Hearts & Hands Betty Kinzy

September 2009 ACTIVITIES WEEKLY: Mondays at 9 AM Arts & Crafts Phyllis Nelson Wednesdays Bowling (Returns in September) Joann DeSantis MONTHLY: 1 Tues. at 10 AM Magpies Bridge Jean Thompson 7 Mon. Labor Day — No New You — Barbara Hamilton 14 Mon. at Noon Executive Board Meeting Kendall Bldg. 15 Tues. No Noon Fellowship Luncheon Kendall Bldg.

(Returns in October) 22 Tues. at 10 AM Bluejays Bridge Pearl Adams 25 Fri. at 1:30 PM Friday Lunch Bunch Win Wheatley

Ongoing Support Groups Sundays: Narcotics Anonymous at 7 PM in Fireside Room Mondays: AA (Women) at 6 PM in Fireside Room Alanon at 8 PM in Room 5/6 Tuesdays: Alanon at 10 AM/AA Book Study 8 PM in Fireside Room Thursdays: AA at 7 PM in Fireside Room Fridays: Alanon at 12:30 PM in Fireside Room Boy Scouts - Troop 911: Tuesdays 7 PM in Fellowship Hall Call John Orlick at 818-886-6229 Cub Scouts – Call Scott Anthony at 818-268-4762 Girl Scouts - Call Tandy Wilson at 818-886-9376

All age levels, various days.

Schedule of Events September

• 2 Soul Food @ 6 PM in Fellowship Hall SPRC @ 7 PM in Library • 6 Membership Class from 10 to 11 AM

in Pastor Stan’s Office • 7 Labor Day — Church Office Closed • 8 Unemployment Support Group

@ 11 AM in Pastor’s Office Church & Society Movie Night

@ 7 PM in Kendall Bldg. (See Page 6) • 9 Softball Game @ 7:30 PM in Balboa Park • 10 Couples Bible Study @ 7 PM in Room 5/6 • 12 Dinner Bridge @ 5:30 PM in Kendall Bldg. • 13 Homecoming Sunday —

One Service @ 10 AM Picnic and Faire following service.

• 14 Eat Out Monday 11 AM to 9 PM @ Baja Fresh • 15 Caring Team @ 4 PM in Library Finance Team @ 5 PM in Library See August 4th schedule in Kendall Bldg. Trustees Meeting @ 7:30 PM in Library • 16 Leadership Development @ 6:30 PM in Library • 18 Couples Night Out @ 6:30 PM in Fellowship Hall • 19 Saturday Breakfast @ 8 AM in Fellowship Hall • 20 Church Council @ 12:15 PM in Fireside Room Jazz Vespers @ 5 PM in Sanctuary (See Page 5) • 21 Church & Society Meeting @ 7 PM in Kendall Bldg. • 22 Vision Team @ 5 PM in Library • 24 Couples Bible Study @ 7 PM in Room 5/6 • 27 Taizé Service @ 6:30 PM in Sanctuary