First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood

GOOD NEWSe-mail: nohofumc@pacbell.net

FEBRUARY 2015facebook.com/nohofumc1 www.nohofumc.com

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Update from SPRC

• MM Waffle Breakfast

• Multi-Cultural Potluck

• Ash Wednesday Service

• Give Back During Lent

A NOTE FROM PASTOR JOEY

Any of us who have studied higher math (or at least attempted) know that knowledge of conversion is essential. Without an understanding of formulaic expression this field of study becomes laborious and quite frustrating.   Anyone who has traveled can recall at least one strange experience where attempts to convert currency was neither easy nor fruitful.  We now live in this wonderful age where we are converting our televisions from analog to digital signals. I haven’t a clue what this means except that from what I have read it is supposed to be a good thing. The word conversion has a variety of meanings.   The first listing in my Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary says, “The act of converting:  the process of being converted - compare gene conversion” The second listing reads, “An experience associated with a definite and decisive adoption of religion.”

In Mark 1:40-45 we find a type of conversion.  We would be quick to say it is purely a religious experience, however, it seems to be so much more.  A leper comes to Jesus and begs to be healed, saying “If you choose, you can make me clean.”  Jesus is moved to heal the man, but issues instructions to obey the Law of Moses regarding healing which required going to the chief priest before talking to anyone and receiving a blessing and ritual cleansing.  The leper ignores Jesus’ instructions, instead telling all about his healing.   Jesus knew there were a variety of professional prophets and healers in the region, but he saw himself not as part of a traveling medicine show, but  as an agent of God linked to an historic faith, hence the instructions to see the priest.   We are not told whether the leper is a person of faith.  Clearly, Jesus linked faith with the process of being healed.  

The conversion which takes place in this story is multilayered.  From a math standpoint the life of a leper did not add up to much.  He would have been an outcast, cut off from family, friends and society at large.  Healing meant being counted, belonging.  Being converted, a leper now had currency in community, as a member to be appreciated, rather than one diseased and despised.  As one healed, the leper became converted scientifically from one person to a totally different person.  The fact that the leper did not remain silent is either a clear indication of his faithlessness or absolute proof of his religious zeal. If one has to choose between being rigidly religious or whole heartedly converted, the latter seems the finer choice.

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 Renslow/Tim LahrDirector, Outreach Ministries

COME AND WORSHIPThe 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 1 To Believe And Belong 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

February 8 To Speak Of Goodness Isaiah 40:21-31

February 15 The Long And Short Version 2 Corinthians 4:3-6

February 22 Read The Fine Print Genesis 9:8-17

HIGHLIGHTS OF WORSHIP

January 4 - Today was Epiphany Sunday and we all enjoyed the Christmas decor for a final Sunday as the Advent season came to a close. Norman Kelsey & Phillip Mottaz shared January announcements. Our Souper Bowl Sunday Soup Collection began this Sunday and continued throughout the month. Pastor Joey’s sermon, “Why Prayer Matters” was based on Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14. January 11 - This morning we recognized Lynn Hutton for all her time she shares with the children and for the wonderful Children’s Christmas Pageant. Patty Kelsey shared a moment with the kids on getting a chance to start fresh! Genesis 1:1-5, the creation story, was the reading that Pastor Joey referred to in his message, “To Regain Form.”

January 18 - Pastor Joey’s sermon, “On Being Human,” was based on 1 Corinthians 6:12-20.

January 25 - Today was United Methodist Women Sunday. The UMW invited Patty Kelsey, Program Ministries Director and Lay Speaker, to share a sermon titled, “Rest Stop,” which was based on Psalm 62:5-12. Many thanks to all of the ladies that took part in worship service; Jodi Smith, Myriel Tyree, Lynn Yoshizumi, Kathi Ellis, Wendy Welch, Shirley Kurushima, Anita McChesney, Anne Roche, and Margaret Doggett. Thank you to Tyree’s who helped to set up coffee hour provided by Program Ministires.

Please contact Patty in the church office and let her know if you are interested in joining a Lenten Bible Study led by Pastor Joey. The Series was created by Living The Questions,

and is called “Saving Jesus.”

The study would be on Sundays from February 22nd until March 29th, Palm Sunday. Study will run 1 1/2 - 2 hours with start time TBD.

Please let Patty in the church office know if you’re interested.

The Wesley School & North Hollywood FUMC

6th Annual Multi-Cultural PotluckFriday, February 27th at 6:00 PM

Join us in the Social Hall for a night of delicious food,cultural appreciation

and fellowship! Please bring a dish to share that best

represents your heritage.

February 18th

6:00 PM Boyer Chapel & Prayer Chapel

Silent CommunionMeditation & Prayer

Candle Lighting

7:00 PM - 7:30 PMWorship Service

Boyer ChapelSpecial Music & Readings

NoHo FUMC continues its mission to GIVE BACK instead of Give Up for Lent!

#46 DAYS OF GIVINGOn Ash Wednesday we ask that everyone join us at

worship in Boyer Chapel and grab a few “give back” cards on our Lenten Board. The Missions Planning committee

will also have Give Back Calendars with various organization and activities to support during Lent!

Join our movement!

IDEAS FOR LENT

Lent is so much more than just “giving something up.” It’s about repentance, preparation, reflection, discipline, and

reevaluation. Here are other ideas for you to think about for the Lenten season.

Volunteer for mission eventsDonate money to a good cause

Tithe a little extraRecycle

Purge excess stuffDonate excess stuff to rescue missions

Simplify your lifeUse public transportation

CarpoolSave energy

Call someone and talk to themMake time to see a friend in person

Reconnect by looking up from your phoneBe positiveHug moreSmile more

Make eye contactListen

Say something kindBe supportive

Pray more

What’s Happening in February?

Wednesday, February 11th - UMW General Luncheon. 12:00 PM in the Lo-Fe-Lo Room. Lunch and Program. $3 donation. (see details below.)

WAFFLE BREAKFAST

Sunday, February 22nd9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Social Hall$5 Donation

Tuesday, February 10th7:00 PM - MM Meeting 7:30 PM - Game Night

Sunday, February 1st - Souper Sunday! Final day to bring cans of soup to church today and on Mission Sunday for the Food Pantry. Sunday, February 8th- 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!

Monday, February 9th - All-Church Movie Night hosted by David! 6:45 PM Dinner and 7:15 Movie in the Lounge. (See details below)

Monday, February 9th

6:45 PM - Dinner7:15 PM - Movie

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 27th - Sixth Annual Multi Cultural Potluck! Potluck Dinner at 6:00 PM in the Social Hall! Bring a dish that represents your heritage. (See flyer for details)

Wednesday, February 18th - Ruth Circle meets at 7:30 PM in the Community Room.

Sunday, February 22nd - Methodist Men Waffle Breakfast! 9-10 in the Social Hall.

Tuesday, February 10th - Methodist Men Meeting. 7:00 PM. Lounge. Game Night!

Monday, February 9th - Martha Circle meet in Hand in Hand 11:00 AM.

Monday, February 16th - Tabitha Circle meets at 10:30 AM in the Hand in Hand Room.

PB & J PROJECT

Thursday, February 19th7:00 PMLounge

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 19th - PB&J Project meets at 7:00 PM in the Lounge. Come make sandwiches for the homeless that come to the food pantry.

Wednesday, February 18th - Ash Wednesday Worship Service. 7:00 - 7:30 PM. Boyer Chapel.

Wednesday, February 18th - Silent Prayer & Communion. 6:00 - 7:00 PM. Boyer Chapel.

Basketball on the Sports CourtTuesdays & Thursday

6:00 PMSaturdays9:00 AM

CHOIRPRACTICE Wednesdays

7:30 PM Main Sanctuary

Eggs &

Bacon too!

SAVE THE DATE!

Saturday, March 14th, 2015LUCKY IN FASHION

FASHION SHOW & LUNCHEON10:00 AM - 2:00 PM in the Social Hall!

Tickets are $20Fashions by Drapers & Damons

Tickets will be available mid-Februarypurchase from Jodi Smith

UMW GENERAL LUNCHEON

Wednesday, February 11th, 2015

Noon

Lo-Fe-Lo Room

$3.00 donation includes lunch and programAll ladies are welcome!

HOW DO YOU TREAT THE HOMELESS?By Patty Kelsey

The way we view the homeless is a complex thing. Pity, sadness, empathy, fear, indifference can be felt

when you see someone who lives on the streets.

When they enter the doors of our church, it can also cause us to feel uncomfortable or conflicted. Maybe you are unsure how to treat them?

We need to contemplate the humanity of those less fortunate than us and treat everyone with dignity,

using the Methodist tradition of Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors.

Something as simple as eye contact, and a “Hello,” can make a significant difference to someone who

feels ignored and invisible.

Also, realize that there are members of our congregation that previously experienced hardship and were once homeless themselves. It is important

to be sensitive and not make assumptions.

Although we often experience that many of our homeless population ask for monetary assistance,

there are also many previously homeless whoask for nothing, other than to be part of a kind,

caring, and welcoming community.

We encourage you to hand out care kits that are stocked in the lounge when you come across anyone

that needs a hand up.

Feel free to contact the church office if you need assistance or have questions or concerns.

DOOR PRIZES NEEDED

Martha Circle is collecting items to be used as door prizes for the fashion

show that’s coming up on March 8th. 

They should be in nearly new conditionand unwrapped.  See Margaret Doggett,

Judy Palmer or Marijane Settlemyer or any member of Martha Circle.

Deadline to bring gifts: Before March 8th

He experiences a sudden streak of luck, winning poker games and even surviving deadly combat.  Filled with tender romance and terrific suspense, this is an unforgettable story about the surprising paths our lives often take and the power of fate to guide us to true and everlasting love.  “A Common Life: The Wedding Story,” about the marriage of Father Tim Kavanagh and Cynthia Coopersmith, is the 6th novel in Jan Karon’s Mitford Series, a celebration of faith and love.

There is also “Flags of our Fathers” by James Bradley, the true story behind the 6 men photographed raising the U.S. flag at Iwo Jima.  Betty’s collection also includes “The Methodist Way of Life”, Bishop Gerald Kennedy’s moving, human story of the beginnings of Methodism in 18th century England, through its turbulent years in the American colonies, to its westward spread and eventual development through 1958.  More than just the history of Methodism, he writes of the feeling of being a Methodist, the special experience that is the Methodist way of life. She also donated Frederick C. Grant’s “Basic Christian Beliefs”, a book designed to lead Christians to re-examine, reaffirm and implement in daily living the doctrines which differentiate Christianity from other religions.

If you need help remembering things about your past, to recall it more clearly and most of all, to understand your memories as a blueprint for the extraordinary life you were meant to have, you need to read Marilu Henner’s “Total Memory Makeover: Uncover Your Past, Take Charge of Your Future”. 

During the month of February, these 7 books may be found on the piano in the Church Lounge/Library. 

Check ‘em Out!

Generous people have donated quite a few books to the church library and I have been remiss about doing the work necessary to get them ready to put them on the library shelves. Until now!

Before she moved to Orange County, Betty Hogarth donated several interesting books.  There are 2 books in the fiction category.  Nicholas Sparks’ “The Lucky One” is about a U.S. Marine who finds a photograph of a smiling young woman buried in the dirt during his tour of duty in Iraq.

I am happy to report that, thanks to a very observant person, the book “This Child Will Be Great,” the memoir of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first female president, found its way back to the Library. 

It is shelved in the Reading Program section but is available for anyone to check out.

By Lynn Yoshizumi

SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS

We recently were made aware that many of our female congregants (two of which were underage) were harassed, photographed or experienced unwanted physical contact by a frequent visitor at our church.

Please know that Pastor Joey and the office staff always want to hear any of your concerns. Even if you think they are just silly “gut feelings.” You are not being “judgmental,” or “critical.” We are here for you.

It is imperative that although we live by the Methodist Tradition of Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors, that we do not turn a blind eye to anyone that comes into our church to take advantage or to harm.We have to protect our congregation, especially our elderly, our young women, teens and children. Please continue to report any odd sightings or behavior to the church office. We have a plan in place to handle the person in question.

Epworth Project exists so that the families affected by these disasters will not be forgotten. Epworth’s goal is to provide basic needs for those living in unfit conditions, whether the conditions are hurricane related or not. It also assists the low income and elderly with home repairs and builds handicapped ramps for disabled citizens.

In order to finance this mission, each team member will pay $350.00 to cover the expenses of the trip, as well as providing their own transportation to and from Slidell. I intend to pay that portion myself. In addition funds must be raised for other expenses related to mission local transport, fuel, and other miscellaneous expenses related to the work. Any money over and above that amount required will also go to Epworth Project.

So, here’s where you come in. I am attempting to raise $1000 for the team fund and hope that you will make a donation for this mission. The task of a mission is the actual work we will do in Slidell. While the task is important, the purpose is the reason we serve - to share the love of Jesus Christ in a way that makes a difference, to offer hope to the least, the last and the lost. We will connect the physical labor of serving others to the unconditional love and grace of God, with the end goal being to cultivate change and allow hope to grow. I hope that you will prayerfully consider making an investment in this mission. Through your financial support, you will join us in serving our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and help us to be his hands and feet in Slidell, Louisiana.

In Christ’s Love, Ken Ellis

In April, I will travel with others of the North District Mission Team to work in Slidell, Louisiana. We will be working with the Epworth Project in Slidell, located at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, serving the people of the Southeast Louisiana. The Greater New Orleans area has endured two major hurricanes (Katrina in 2005 and Isaac in 2012) in the past 10 years leaving thousands homeless and in great need.

Most people are well aware of the damages caused by Hurricane Katrina, but MANY are not aware of the more than 40,000 homes that were damaged by Hurricane Isaac (which hit seven years to the day after Katrina).

Our Missions Team Annual Planning Meeting took place on Saturday, January 24th. Keep an eye out for our Mission Calendar that

will come out on Ash Wednesday, detailing all sorts of ways you can GIVE BACK locally, nationally and world wide during Lent!

2015 Missions: The Epworth Project, Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission, UMCOR, Big Sunday, Imagine No Malaria, Discovery Arts, Shelter Animals, Our Homeless Community, Operation Gratitude, International Justice Mission, Red Bird

Mission, Angels Haven Thai Orphanage, Heifer Project and the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry!

“No act of kindness, however small, is wasted.” ~Aesop

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” ~Ghandi

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” ~Margaret Mead

#46DaysOfGiving

STAFF PARISH UPDATESby Myriel Tyree

Jessie Renslow is stepping down as Director of Outreach Ministries for our parish to move back to her hometown of Gary, Indiana. Jessie accepted a job as the Community Coordinator and will be driving cross country on February 13th. Although it is sad to see a Jessie move on, we are very happy for her future endeavors.

Jessie has done a fabulous job enhancing NOHOFUMC’s online presence. We thank her for her hard work and will miss her!Safe travels, Jessie, and many blessings on your new adventure back in your ol’ hometown of Gary!

Tim Lahr, will be taking over the position of Outreach Ministries Director immediately. Tim, is a recent graduate of The Arts Institute of California-Hollywood, with a Bachelor’s of Science in Digital Film Making and Video Production.

Tim will use his considerable success through new technology in making our presence known in the community, one notable example being the Christmas Tree Lot. Tim is an active member of our congregation and a familiar face on Sundays. Please join us in welcoming Tim and in saying, “Thank You & Farewell,” to Jessie.

It’s funny how fast five years can fly by. Having been raised in a United Methodist Church, I spent a decade searching for a congregation that reminded me of the one I had been brought up in. I had almost given up, and then on a whim, I decided to check out NoHo FUMC one day in 2010.

From my first visit it was like I’d found my bridge back home. Everyone was so friendly, from then on I was engulfed in an instant community. My spirit was able to flourish in this environment. So, now it is a bittersweet time for me. I’m moving home to new opportunities, ones that I’m very excited about, but I won’t forget my time here.

The essence of NoHo FUMC will linger in my heart, as it has fondly shaped my final five years in Los Angeles. I’ve truly been blessed having been a part of our congregation and will miss all of you. I’m happy to be leaving your digital media needs in the capable hands of Tim Lahr. Thank you for all for your love and support!

February 1 Lisa ZungFebruary 2 Mee ZungFebruary 4 Morenike LakeFebruary 4 Sandra SmithFebruary 5 Dr. Lancelot LakeFebruary 5 Justin ParnellFebruary 6 Don FarrandFebruary 6 Norman KelseyFebruary 6 Tiernan PaullFebruary 10 Daisy GalvisFebruary 10 Grace LawrenceFebruary 12 Michael Cox

February 13 Jackie SawirisFebruary 14 Wendy InceFebruary 15 Jim WilkinsonFebruary 20 Ava PeatFebruary 20 Beyla NyaforhFebruary 21 Dr. Phil GriggsFebruary 25 Scott ShepardFebruary 27 Steve PitchfordFebruary 28 David EshlemanFebruary 28 Uma Tokahuta

Jonathan ThomasPlease lift up Jeff Thomas and his entire family.

Rachel KimPlease lift up Hannah Ye-Books and family.

Scott Peat’s Uncle Dave, suffered a massive stroke on Tuesday, December 30th.

Lisa Cheby’s friend, Dallas Taylor, had to fly to Ecuador to care for his brother who became ill. Both are doing well now.

Elena was granted religious asylum and wanted to thank everyone for their support and prayers.

Joyce Cunningham took a series of bad falls and was moved to assisted living. She was having quite a difficult time adjusting to the drastic life changes.

Sharon Natoli requests prayers for her Daughter, Noelle, who is going through a divorce and for her Grandson, Anthony, who is autistic. Anthony also suffers from apraxia of speech.

Deanne Cox underwent surgery to place a catheter in her abdomen on Tuesday, January 27th. The surgery was successful and Deanne will soon undergo training to receive at-home dialysis.

Charlie Cox has been dealing with high blood sugar levels.

Ralph Seybold’s sister, Barbara Stutes, is in a coma.

Doug Eboch requests prayers for his Aunt Judie, cousin Leslie, and Leslie's Son, Conner. Leslie's 16 year old son (Judie's grandson and Conner's brother) Nick Grant, was killed/murdered the week of January 20th.

Heidi Randel, daughter of Hanna Sack, had back surgery on January 22nd.

Reflections! Joey K. "Donald

Reflections are part of the weekly bulletin inserts for worship. This writing is originally from January 11, 2009 and Pastor Joey’s sermon was titled “From Hands Of Faith Come Heavenly Things” based on Acts 19:1-7.

Acts 19:1-7 is a text detailing what some refer to as Baptism in the Holy Spirit.  Paul has followed Apollos into Ephesus and encounters followers of John the Baptist. In conversation, he discovers they have no understanding of the Holy Spirit.  Paul and those with him lay hands on them, and their world is changed radically because they can now speak in tongues, and prophesy.  Luke reports that there were about twelve, which is a way of linking this story back to the ministry of Jesus and the original twelve disciples.  The ultimate question here is, what does it mean to follow Jesus?  More importantly, how do believers respond to life in terms of the gifts it brings?  

Stephen Schwartz in the song “All Good Gifts,” written for the musical “Godspell,” gives a wonderful indication.  “We plow the fields and scatter the good seed on the land, but it is fed and watered by God’s almighty hand.  He sends the snow in winter, the warmth to swell the grain, the breezes and the sunshine and soft refreshing rain.”  (Then the refrain) “All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above, So thank the Lord, oh thank the Lord for all his love.”  The difficulty, of course, is in keeping balance, lest we fall into a faulty theology where we thank God and feel blessed when things go well and then feel cursed or perhaps even curse God when bad things happen.

Here believers receive the Holy Spirit and have a transforming experience.  However, we are all too aware that an active and deep faith does not exempt any of us from sadness, pain or suffering.  The openness of these disciples is key to grasping the power of a lasting faith.  For in receiving the Baptism they are saying that they understand God’s presence is lasting.  This means the Love of Christ does not exempt us from harsh and hurtful times, rather it surrounds and supports us always, but especially then.  The late prophet of the Protestant Church, William Sloane Coffin wrote, “When the worst in life happens in this world, we are called in the name of the Spirit to show the best of God’s love.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORSHIP

February 1 Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany. Green. Deut. 18:15-20; Ps. 111; 1 Cor. 8:1-13; Mark 1:21-28 February 8 Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany. Scouts Sunday. Green. Isa. 40:21-31; Ps. 147:1-11, 20c; 1 Cor. 9:16-23; Mark 1:29-39

February 15 Last Sunday after the Epiphany. Transfiguration Sunday. White. 2 Kings 2:1-12; Ps. 50:1-6; 2 Cor. 4:3-6; Mark 9:2-9

February 22 First Sunday in Lent. Purple. Gen. 9:8-17; Ps. 25:1-10; 1 Pet. 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15

8:15 AM Worship Services in Boyer Chapel February 1 - Pastor Joey February 8 - Sandra Smith February 15 - Norman Kelsey February 22 - Sandra Smith

Please have your articles for the Good News to the church office by February 17th for the March 2015 publication or email them to pattyfumc@gmail.com

POSTMASTER - Please send changes of address to:First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

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 third Sunday of the month during 10:30 worship service

Communion will be celebrated on February 1st at 8:15 AM and 10:30 AM worship services.