First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood

GOOD NEWSe-mail: nohofumc@pacbell.net

DECEMBER 2014facebook.com/nohofumc1 www.nohofumc.com

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Heifer Living Market

• Christmas Eve Worship

• Organ Concert & Carols

• Poinsettia Orders

• Children’s Pageant

A NOTE FROM PASTOR JOEY

Have you ever seen something that was there all along, but in some way you’ve just witnessed it for the first time.  This is a bit like what happened to the religious leaders in Jerusalem when they went to see John the Baptist, as recorded in John.  Though they were well aware of the prophetic stories in Isaiah foretelling of a messenger to come before the Messiah, either John or his message was not what they had in mind.  When they came upon him they asked who he was and he told them he was not the Messiah.  In Eugene Peterson’s translation of the Bible the story continues, they pressed him, “Who, then? Elijah?”  “I am not”.  “The prophet?”  “No.”  Exasperated they said, “Who then?  We need an answer for those who sent us.  Tell us something, anything about yourself.” “I’m thunder in the desert.   ‘Make the road straight for God!’   I’m doing what the prophet Isaiah preached.”

Have you ever been in the desert during a thunder storm?  Before the thunder comes a great light. This shines nearly bright as day.  It is both awesome and revealing.  Here John says that after the thunder he preaches, an even greater light will be revealed, but implicit in the narrative is that the people need a certain level of patience.  The Bible story indicates this was not the case.  To see something in a new light is the work of a patient soul, this in large measure is what Advent is all about.  Think of Advent as a time of anticipation to be in deep thought considering all the facets of the powerful gift we are given at Christmas. However, somewhere along the way, the prelude to the party which Advent was intended to be has become an extension of Christmas.  It seems we throw out the Halloween pumpkins and immediately put up the Christmas lights.  The malls and radio stations seem to play nothing but Christmas music from Thanksgiving on.

Early in my professional ministry (as opposed to the ministry we each are called as believers) armed with the high powered theological education I had acquired, I worked diligently to keep the seasons of Advent and Christmas clear and distinct within the context of worship. Then I began to note what the Bible records as murmuring.  That bit of recreational griping which occurs when people are unhappy.  On the second or third Sunday when we had not yet sung a Christmas carol, a parishioner or two would ask when this might happen.   I would explain this was a separate season, sometimes even write an article on the theology and rationale.  Yet every year this same pattern occurred.  A beloved member faxed a list of favorite Christmas carols. This included Away in a Manger to Jingle Bell Rock.  It was at this point I consulted a higher power.  This is to say a more seasoned pastor.  After listening to my story, my friend said the following,   “Joey we both went to the same graduate school and received the same theological and liturgical training.  What I have learned is that people want to sing Christmas carols.  So we sing them early and we sing them all. Remember there is ample evidence Jesus was a Leo rather than a Sagittarian.  Besides, the Advent and Christmas seasons are the greatest in terms of giving, so why not sing every one and be blest.”  Who needs lightning or thunder when you have an old sage with a pen light pointing the way from rigid interpretation to a loving understanding of what Advent might actually be about? Your Friend and Pastor,

Joey

GOOD NEWS is published monthly by First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood, California 91601Phone (818) 763-8231

Minerva CarcañoBishop

Rev. Dr. Cedrick Bridgeforth District Superintendent

Dr. Joey K. McDonaldPastor

CongregationMinisters

Jeff ThomasDirector of Music

Roger EshlemanOrganist

Nylean RapinacAdministrator

Patty KelseyDirector, Program Ministries

Jessica RenslowDirector, Outreach Ministries

COME AND WORSHIPThe following Bible passages will be the basis for the messages in December.

Please take time each week to read the selected passages.

December 7 Finding Spiritual Direction Mark 1:1-8

December 14 In Words We Know

December 21 The God of Possibilities Luke 1:26-38

December 24 7:00 PM When Christmas Comes Luke 2:1-20 9:30 PM A Twenty-First Century Manger Luke 2:1-20

December 28 What Suits You

HIGHLIGHTS OF WORSHIP AND OUR PARISH

November 2nd - Today was All Saint’s Day. We remember the Saints of our church that we lost this year; Genevieve “Jean” Burns, Janice Roberts Mulvaney, and Fay Kapin. Norman Kelsey sat in the Pulpit for Pastor Joey this morning, delivering a message titled, “You’ll Never Make A Saint Of Me,” based on 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13. Phillip & Rachel Mottaz shared the monthly announced with the congregation in a Good Manners Theme!

November 9th - We celebrated Community Day! Our Church, The Wesley School, Evergreen Music Conservatory, and Boy Scout Troop 18 joined in a special worship service. Everyone was asked to donate hygiene items that will benefit the chronic homeless in the Valley. The Acosta Family graced us a gorgeous performance. Worship was followed with a lovely reception in the Social Hall catered by Chris Drapkin & her company Harvest Moon. Everyone enjoyed treats and shopping at the UMW Holiday Boutique tables. What a blessing to be a part of such a special community!

November 16th - On the Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost, we had a special performance of “There’s A Song Of Love,” by our Cherub Choir led by Lynne Hutton. A Stewardship Moment was shared by our Chair of Finance, Jim Tyree. Ken Ellis introduced our special guest in the Pulpit this morning, our North District Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Cedrick Bridgeforth. Dr. Bridgeforth’s sermon was titled, “Always Right,” which gave our congregation the opportunity to vocalize “AMEN!” throughout the message. Following worship, everyone enjoyed lunch in the Social Hall, which was transformed into Ol’ McDonald’s Farm for the Annual Charge Conference. Dr. Bridgeforth led the meeting, which was well attended and successful. Many thanks to our Chair People for taking part and to those that helped to set up, clean up and those who dressed up!

November 23rd - Rachel Mottaz shared information on the Heifer Project. Pastor Joey shared his message on “A Sheperd’s Work,” based on Ezekial 34:11-16, 20-24.

November 30th - Today was a big day! The tree lot opened from Noon - 9PM! We set up our assembly line to put together over 150 Care Kits For The Homeless during coffee fellowship. We also witnessed the baptism of Evangeline Fetterman, Grand-Daughter of Nylean & Frank Rapinac. Pastor Joey’s sermon was called, “Live Your Strength,” based on1 Corinthians 1:3-9.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Isaiah 61:10-62:3

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

7:00 PMFeatures special music and

a children’s message

9:30 PMFeatures special music, the Chancel Choir

and Communion is served

Each service concludes with a candle lighting ceremony

Featuring Roger EshlemanSaturday, December 13, 2014

7:00 PMIn the Main Sanctuary

Sing-a-long to cherished Christmas songs, fellowship with our community.

Give a poinsettia plant in honor or memory of a loved one. These plants are fashioned into a Christmas tree which adorns the

chancel of our church. The flowers may be taken home following the 9:30 PM Christmas Eve Service.

Thank you for your $10.00 donation. Please complete the section below and return the form to the office with your check.

Please indicate “for poinsettia” on the offering envelope. Thank you.

Your Name________________________________ Phone ______________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________

Circle one: (IN MEMORY OF) or (IN HONOR OF) Number of plants ordered _______

Name _________________________________________ Amount Enclosed $ ____________

Name _________________________________________ Please place orders by December 15th

What’s Happening in December?

Sunday, December 14th - Holiday Festivities in the Lounge! Join us following worship for Christmas Cheer! Shop for gifts at the UMW Holiday Boutique and maybe Santa will make an appearance!

Wednesday, December 24th - Join us for CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES 7:00 PM - Family Service with special music & a children’s message.

9:30 PM - Includes Chancel Choir & Communion. Join us in the Main Sanctuary.

Both worship services include a candle lighting ceremony.

Sunday, December 7th - UMM host a chili cook-off in front of the Lounge.

Sunday, December 21st - Walk to the Manger at the end of worship. Please bring your Christmas Offering with you to church. After the benediction we will ask everyone to walk down the center aisle and place your offering in the manger.

December 14thDuring WorshipMain Sanctuary

Sign your child up with our Children’s Choir Director,

Lynne Hutton

Sign up now!

Wednesday, December 10th - UMW Holiday Luncheon. $3 Donation. Lunch in Lo-Fe-Lo & Holiday Program. Saturday, December 13th- Organ Concert & Christmas Carol sing-a-long, featuring Roger Eshleman. 7 PM in the Main Sanctuary. Treats following. All are welcome. Invite your neighbors!

December 1st - December 21stOur 16th Annual Christmas Tree Lot is open for business!

Weekdays: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM Saturdays: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Sundays: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PMWe need tree handlers, greeters, cashiers, & dinner providers.

Sign up at church or online. (Check your weekly email update for link)

Sunday, December 14th - Mission Sunday! Bring cans of chili and tuna for the food pantry and a few extra dollars for the blue mission envelopes.

Sunday,December 14th

Following Worship

Come to our Pop-up Shop in the Lounge!

Santa may make an appearance!

Sunday,December 7th

12:00 PM Lounge

Sign up with Ed WebsterWinner takes home a beautiful Christmas Tree from our lot!

Sunday, December 14th- Sunday School Children’s Christmas Pageant. During 10:30 Worship Service. Main Sanctuary.

Saturday, December 27th - Volunteers needed! 9:00 AM. To take down the tree lot! Meeting on Sunday, January 4th following worship.

Those readers who qualify for a Reading Program certificate need to turn their reports in to me by Sunday, December 7, or at the UMW General Luncheon and Meeting on Wednesday, December 10, at the latest.  If you need a report form, I will have them with me whenever I am at church.

Remember, we won the district banner for reading the most books per UMW member for the last 2 years.  We hope to continue that winning streak! Level I readers need to check off that they read something from the 11 issues of "response" magazine (Jul & Aug were combined).  Level II, III and IV readers also have to read articles from the 6 issues of "New World Outlook".  Count articles from 2013 if the December "response" and Nov/Dec "New World Outlook" aren't received in time. 

By Margaret Dixon

The Finance Committee wishes to thank our members and friends for their response to our pledge drive theme of “The House That Jack Built.” If you have not turned in your pledge card, please do so now. We appreciate that you realized the need for continued funding to keep our extensive plant running. As well as such regular expenses as staff salaries, insurance, and utilities, there are unexpected repairs that must be made. Let us continue to work together to keep the First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood moving on.

Over the past 12 years Operation  Gratitude has shipped 1,167,648 care packages to our active duty military, veterans, new  recruits, wounded warriors, care providers and first responders.  At this time there are more than 150,000 American service members deployed far from home and loved ones, most in harm's way.  All of our heroes need a reminder that the American people are thinking of them and appreciate their service. 

A group from the church is going to participate in an Operation Gratitude Assembly Day on Saturday, December 13th, 9 am - 12 noon, at the California Army National Guard, 17330 Victory Boulevard, Van Nuys, at the corner of Victory & Louise.  If you would like to join us, please contact me at 818-764-8803 or ryly63@att.net so that I can give you the Internet link for online registration and arrange for carpools. 

I will be taking with me the notes of appreciation that members have written to the troops, scarves that have been knitted for them and cartoons and puzzles that will be added to the Care Packages.  Please be sure whatever you have for the troops is in the cartoons box in the Lounge by Sunday, Dec. 7th.

There will be a Mission Team meeting on Saturday, January 3rd, 10 am - 12 noon, in the Lounge. At this time we will review the 2014 activities and make plans for 2015. Newcomers are always welcome to attend Mission Team meetings, this one included.  Perhaps you feel that the Lord is calling you to be more active in mission projects, you have an idea of how we could improve upon our current projects, you have a new activity that you feel we should undertake or you just want to spend time with some very nice people.  Be sure to put the date on your 2015 calendar since the meeting is on the 3rd day of the new year!

PLANNING MEETINGSaturday, January 3, 2015

10:00 AM - 12:00 PMLounge

NEW HOPE OF THE VALLEY THRIFT STORE

In November Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission opened a Thrift Store in the heart of Canyon Country at 19379 Soledad Canyon Road (at Whites Canyon), Santa Clarita, (661) 673-5951. It is open Monday-Saturday 10 am to 9 pm and Sundays 10 am to 6 pm.  This is in addition to the stores in Sun Valley (8165 San Fernando Road at Vineland, 818-392-0020) and Granada Hills (18167 Chatsworth Street, 818-363-2050).

David Faustina, general manager of Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission, says "Our mission is to attract people and resources to assist the effort of meeting the needs of every hungry and homeless man, woman and child in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys.  Our Thrift Stores provide us with the sale revenue to continue to provide life essential services to residents within our own community.  As a community-based local nonprofit, we seek donations of used clothing and household goods that we can either sell in our store or use to provide for needy families." 

To schedule a home pick-up of donated items, call 818-392-0020 or online at www.hopeofthevalley.org

THE CHRISTMAS TREE WITH A HEART

It’s that time of year again. It is Tree Lot time.

Did you know our Tree Lot has very special trees that no other lot in the area has?

See there’s a tree that will provide a homeless person with a care kit or homeless family with a hot meal. Another that will provide a sick hospitalize kid with a fun day of art.

And still another that will save a young girl from the evils of slavery.

See our Trees are the Christmas Tree with the Heart, and is how the Mission Team supports great organizations like Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission, Discovery Arts, International Justice Missions, and many other great organizations.

Unfortunately the trees can’t sell and load themselves onto cars. That is where we desperately need you. Please visit www.nohofumc.com to sign up for a Tree Lot shift because without you there is no Heart.

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority is responsible for conducting a Point-in-Time Count to determine how many homeless

neighbors there are in L.A. County on any given night.  This year it will be taken in the San

Fernando Valley on Thursday, January 29th, starting at 8 pm.  That night about 1,000 volunteers will be needed in the Valley.

You can make an important impact in the lives of homeless men, women and children by

volunteering your time and service to help with the 2015 Count. In order to make a difference in

the lives of homeless people, it is necessary to know who they are and where they live.  The

data gathered from this Count is the most powerful tool nonprofits and local leadership

have to make a case for additional and specialized resources.  The count is secondary to

the goal of helping homeless persons find permanent housing.

All volunteers will be fully trained and provided with equipment and materials.  They work in groups of 2 or 3.

VOLUNTEER TODAY Visit http://www.theycountwillyou.org/ 

to register and indicate your area preference.  For more information, contact HomelessCount@LAHSA.org

SCHEDULE8:00 PM - Arrival & Training

9:00 PM - Begin Count12 midnight - Finish Count 

THANK YOU!

We have enough donations to make

more than our goal of 150 care kits for the

homeless!

We received a number of donations including large monetary ones that will helped fulfill the items we needed.

By Rachel Mottaz & The Sunday School Class

It’s that time of year again. It’s time for me to remind you that we, as a congregation, agree to raise a certain amount of funds for Heifer International, but I’m actually referring to the time of year where most people start getting that urge to help people in need. Most soup kitchens and food pantries get record numbers of volunteers on Thanksgiving and those weeks between then and Christmas.  And why is that exactly? Is this the time of year when we are reminded that we are so very blessed and with those blessings come a responsibility? As I continue, I want to put this bug in your ear:  how can we do more? A little background knowledge for those who may not know: Heifer takes our donations and provides income-producing animals like goats, bees, chicks and cows. The animals go to resource poor families working to improve their lives. You can honor a friend or loved one with a beautiful card that describes the gift you bought in their honor.  You empower an impoverished family not only with an animal, but with the training for its care. That’s one of two key elements that I love about Heifer International.  They teach the receiving families how take care of these animals, to make sure they have the proper nutrition and stay healthy.  The family shares its knowledge and the animal’s first offspring with another family.  And the next.  Heifer calls it Passing on the Gift. That’s the other element I love:  sharing that love, those blessings, passing on those gifts of animals and knowledge.  But again, let me ask you: how can we do more? Reverend Bridgeforth stood before us a couple of weeks ago and pushed us to not just do what we think we ought to be doing and what we think is right, but think about new ways on how we can do more.  I know how much we have accomplished this year, but sometimes we get too comfortable. I’ll be honest with you, I stole this Heifer International idea from my mother in law years ago and I struggle with coming up with new ideas. I spent the last few weeks preparing for this by ordering new buttons, stickers and pencils, and deciding how we can do new ornaments with the Sunday School kids.  Now don’t get me wrong, the new ornaments are super cute, but how is that “doing more?” Each one of us is an amazing, wonderful, thinking, creative creature with beautiful ideas. Don’t keep those ideas to yourself this year and don’t wait for someone else to make those ideas happen.  Share that love.  Heifer is a wonderful opportunity for us to do a little something. I urge us all to try and figure out how we can do a LOT of something.  So let me use this time to, yes, remind you that it’s that time of year for us to make our donations to heifer and to beat our goal of $2000 into submission.

ANIMALS OFFERED:Heifer - $500 or Share - $50 / Pig - $120 or Share - $10 / Llama - $150 or Share - $20Water Buffalo - $250 or Share $25 / Tree Seedlings - $60 or Share - $10 / Trio of Rabbits - $60 or Share - $10Goat - $120 or Share - $10 / Sheep - $120 or Share - $10 / Starter Flock of Chicks or Ducks or Geese - $20Honeybees - $30

Wishing you a birthday that is merry and bright!Love, Your Church Family

December 5 Anita McChesneyDecember 6 Helen WirthDecember 7 Ralph SeyboldDecember 10 Doug EbochDecember 11 Myriel TyreeDecember 17 Charlie CoxDecember 17 Cary NorenDecember 18 Jeff Thomas

December 19 Pastor JoeyDecember 20 Genelita AnchetaDecember 20 Clive MelvilleDecember 21 James St. JohnDecember 24 Tracey RadilloDecember 25 JesusDecember 31 Henri DobleDecember 31 Nancy Kien

Call the church office (818) 763-8231 or email your request to nohofumc@pacbell.net

Did you see our newest face bringing the light of Christ in to our service the last few weeks?

Please welcome Samantha Calvert, daughter of Stephanie Griffin. Samantha was so excited to have the opportunity to train as

an Acolyte! We are grateful for her exuberance and for Stephanie and Samantha’s dedication.

• Deanne Cox suffered a mild stroke due to complications of dialysis. Prayers to heal her kidneys and for making important medical decisions for future treatment.

• Logan Lester, Nephew of Jeff Thomas, needs prayers for his health.

• Wendy Ford requests prayers of calm and peace while going through her divorce.

• Minette Harris is still staying at Providence St. Elizabeth Care Center.

• Edward Zung is still undergoing chemotherapy but did come to an 8:15 worship servicer with his wife on November 2nd and looked good!

• Nancy Gatchell is still in hospice at The Lighthouse on Magnolia.

• Elena Ashton is waiting for her appointment with immigration to obtain religious asylum.

Reflections! Joey K. "Donald

In his first letter to the people of Thessalonica, Paul writes, “We thank God for and always mention you in our prayers.  Each time we pray, we tell God about your faith and loving work and about your firm hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” CEV (Contemporary English Version)   Paul wrote to encourage and affirm the Thessalonians.  As a body of believers, it was important for them to remember the work of God in their midst.

Today is Charge Conference Sunday.  An important day in the life of any United Methodist congregation.  When we meet each year at charge conference, part of our task is to accomplish the same thing Paul desired for the early Church.  Be it Philippi, Rome, or Galatia.  Paul hoped the early churches would not let up or let go of their mission focus.   Those early believers worked at understanding, communicating, worshiping, and working their faith.  Our task today remains much the same.   It is important that we share plans and details with regard to our property, programs, and personnel.  The presentation of the budget and open reporting of our Church finances are part of United Methodist polity and tradition.  That we encourage as many people to attend as possible is important as well.  That the information is presented in an entertaining and inviting manner is helpful.

However, through it all, our focus must be clear.  We do not meet just to gather for a party, and we do not report to simply give information.  We meet because, as the Body of Christ, we are a gathered community.  We report because, as a body of believers, we are accountable to each other. We celebrate, share, encourage, and empower to one end.  That the love of God might flourish.  That the grace of Christ might be made real for us and for others.  The facts and figures we share in our Charge Conference Report only have merit and import if they are written in the ink of grace upon a parchment of hope, and bound with winsome will to share the goodness of God.  Otherwise, we are simple covering our backsides or whistling in the dark.

This writing was originally written on February 9, 1997 by Dr. McDonald for Charge Conference, with District Superintendent, Brandon Cho preaching, “Working Together for Good,” based on Romans 8:28.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORSHIP December 7 Second Sunday of Advent. Purple or Blue. Isa. 40:1-11; Ps. 85:1-2, 8-13 or (UMH 806); 2 Pet. 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8

December 14 Third Sunday of Advent. Purple or Blue. Isa. 61:1-4, 8-11; Ps. 126 or (UMH 847) or Luke 1:47-55; 1 Thess. 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28

December 21 Fourth Sunday of Advent. Purple or Blue. 2 Sam. 7:1-11, 16; Luke 1:47-55 or (UMH 199) or Ps. 89:1-4, 19-26; Rom. 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38

December 24 Christmas Eve. White or Gold. Isa. 9:2-7; Ps. 96 or (UMH 815); Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-20

December 28 First Sunday After Christmas. White. Isa. 61:10-62:3; Ps. 148 or (UMH 861); Gal. 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40

Sunday Worship Services at 10:30 AM in the Main SanctuaryAdult Sunday School meets at 9:15 AM in the Hand in Hand room

Children’s Sunday School meets at 10:30 AM in the Community Room/NurseryChildren’s Message the 2nd Sunday of the month during 10:30 worship service.

Communion will be celebrated on December 7th at 8:15 AM and 10:30 AM worship services, and at the 9:30 PM worship service, Wednesday, December 24th - Christmas Eve.

8:15 AM Worship Services in Boyer Chapel December 7 - Pastor Joey December 14 - Norman Kelsey December 21st - TBA December 30th - Sandra Smith

Please have your articles for the Good News to the church office by December 17th for the January 2015 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 Hollywood4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA. 91601