memorial day • 27 may 2019 - fccnh.org

Volume LXII No. 98 May 22, 2019

A Publication of First Christian Church of North HollywoodA Congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Robert M. Bock, Senior PastorLouise Sloan Goben, Associate PastorJennifer Le’au, Director of Children’s MinistriesJeremy Gillett, Director of Youth MinistriesAlfredo Gomez & Loydi Rivas Gomez, Pastor, Spanish Speaking Congregation

memorial day • 27 may 2019

Page � May ��, �019 First Christian news

This year’s camp program looks absolutely amazing. I encourage our church family and friends to register as soon as possible. Our camps have a tendency to fill early when they become available to our larger com-munity. Kristina Frost is our Camp Administrator and can answer your questions regarding any of our camps at [email protected].

Please mark your calendars for the Youth and Children’s Choir Concert on June 2. Ty Parr, their di-rector and inspiration, has worked very hard with our children and youth to provide a marvelous concert pro-gram. I know you’ll be thrilled at the program and glad that you stayed for it.

I greatly appreciate that many of you have asked about my health and ongoing cancer treatment. My doctor is pleased at the progress we are making and told me last week – “You’re doing good!” Your many prayers are working miracles and I thank you for them. Every week I have a chemo injection at the Infusion Center of the Disney Cancer Center in Burbank. I also take a very strong oral chemo capsule daily, along with the other medication prescribed to eliminate the cancer cells. I will know more about the actual effect of the treatment when I have another bone marrow test sometime in the future.

As Pastor Louise announced last Sunday, I officially received my Doctor of Ministry degree Tuesday morn-ing during commencement exercises at Claremont School of Theology. My “official date” of graduation was December 21, 2018, the date my dissertation was

The ChurCh OffiCeWill Be ClOsed

MOnday, May 27In Observance Of

accepted by the seminary repository. However, the school only holds one commencement each year. It was the largest, and the most diverse graduating class in the history of the school. It was also one of the largest Disciples’ groups in the history of the Disciples Seminary Foundation. Rev. Teresa Hord Owen, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), was the commencement speaker. It was a great day for everyone involved.

I’ve also been informed by the office of Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Krekorian that I will be recog-nized for fifty years of service to our community by the City Council on Friday, May 31 from 10:00 to 12:00 Noon. An invitation to attend has been extended to anyone in the church family who wishes to attend. In order to guarantee reserved parking at City Hall I will need to notify the Councilman’s staff of the make of car

First Christian news May ��, �019 Page �

save the datesunday . june 2 . 12:30 pm

youth &children’schoir concert ____celebratinglove, joy, music&

For those of you who know someone serving in the armed forces, as well as people serving in other capacities, we want to lift them up in prayer... please let us know when they come home!

Chris Diaz • Joshua Bigbee

We also want to continue to pray for peace, for wisdom for the world’s leaders, and for the people of all war-torn areas of our world.

Congratulations to The Rev. Dr. Robert M. Bock, pictured at the ceremony celebrating his graduation from

Claremont School of Theology on May 21, 2018! Photo by Janet Bruce

and license number for anyone planning to attend. I am also told there will be an opportunity for anyone to say a word as part of the recognition. If you would like to attend this recognition celebration please call Glenda at the church office – 818-763-8218. She will be notify-ing the Councilman’s staff a few days in advance of the recognition those who will be attending.

Have a wonderful week. I look forward to seeing you in church on Sunday as we celebrate Memorial Day Sunday together.

Pergé! Pastor Bob


watchful presence in the very places where the previous psalm feels the abandonment of the Shepherd. It is an antidote to the despair of the previous psalm.

Last week, in our Tuesday Bible Study group we read Psalm 23 together. Nearly everyone in the room sighed and talked about how peaceful it made them feel. Several people said that they had memorized the psalm when they were young, perhaps in Sunday school. Others connected the psalm to loved ones – parents or grandparents – who have died. There is something com-forting about the images in the verses that reaches deep into our souls. And I think that from time to time most of us feel an intense longing for a deep well of God-given peace that flows through our lives.

Recently Galen, Neill and I took a walk together along a short trail near the Los Angeles River. We read

The Lord is my shepherd… He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters,

He restores my soul. – Psalm 23:1-2

Last week, as I arrived at Pierce College to teach my Wednesday afternoon class a group of people were gath-ered around a fairly large pen on the Library lawn. Inside the pen, there were about 6 people on their yoga mats, exercising. Wandering around in the pen was a cluster of baby goats. These folks were doing “goat yoga.” (I actually think it was an opportunity to show off the Agriculture department’s spring flock.) The goats were darling, and mostly interested in eating the fresh grass of the lawn.

I admit that I know very little about goats, and don’t understand the idea of practicing yoga with goats. It sounds pretty gimmicky to me and potentially kind of messy, too. But doing some research into goat yoga I learned that the idea is to blend the healing effects of yogic practice with that of animal therapy. That makes sense, especially for folks who really love animals.

I also admit that I don’t know much about sheep either, but I suspect that “goat yoga” was not exactly what King David had in mind when he wrote what we know as Psalm 23. Most scholars believe that Psalms 22 and 23 were placed with intention beside one another in our Bible. My hunch is that most of us are not very familiar with Psalm 22, at least at first blush. It begins, “My God, my God; why have you forsaken me?” These are words Jesus recites from the cross, a lament that is deeply disturbing in its plaintive quality. It expresses the writer’s despair at not feeling the presence of God in his darkest moments. One can understand why it is this Psalm that Jesus turned to in His final hours.

Psalm 23 offers assurance of God’s protection and

“Just A Thought ...” by rev. louise sloan goben


about it in the LA Times and decided to take an outing. The area is called the Bowtie Parcel and the land is owned by the State of California in the Glendale area. The trail was clearly marked and the signage pointed out features of the area – the native grasses and trees that grow along the side of the river; how the river was formed and the history of the flood plains of the Los Angeles area. The city and state are allowing the river to naturally reclaim its original flow and habitation for birds that nest in the flora and the fish that live in its waters.

As we stood near the river, I could hear the sound of the water moving along the banks. There were mallard ducks swimming, and even a heron or two we spotted. I could also hear the sound of a breeze moving through the tall grasses and tress along its banks. Southern California is not exactly the “green pastures” of David’s psalm, but God’s creation is amazing wherever we may be. And we became part of it, even as we were in prox-imity to Interstate #5.

In the times that we struggle to hear the voice of God in our lives, perhaps what we need most is the blessed sounds of the still waters – waters that run clear and pure; waters that restore our souls, “for His name’s sake.” I suppose it is up to us to seek out these places

“Just A Thought ...” continued

and times, and I have come to understand the space for doing this is all around us when we seek to cultivate the sacred connections. And, if that doesn’t help to heal a tired and sore heart, perhaps a little goat yoga could be thrown in for good measure.

Pastor Louise

save the dates6/24 - 7/29

summer film series

mondays . 7pm . social hall

Photos by Rev. Louise Sloan Goben

“Church Heritage”Monday . 7pM . in tHe annex

MONDAY • JUNE 3A Journey in Faith (FILM)


Guided Tai Chi Classes Tues. 1:00 pm & Thurs. 4:00 pm

in the Youth HutClasses guided by Byron Armantrout.Freewill donation of $10 per session.

Tai Chibreathing techniques

s imple stretching exercisesmeditat ion to reduce stress

JOIN OUR TEAM!Many of our Region’s ministries are looking for fresh voices and supportive gifts for carrying out their work on behalf of the church. The Regional ministries who are looking for new members include:

church transformation • church in society ecumenical & interfaith relations • finance

leadership • new church development nominating • permanent funds (this will be a

virtual committee meeting online and by phone)pro-reconciliation/anti-racism • personnel camp and conference • outdoor ministries

disciples women • global ministries young adults • older adult ministry

If you would like to be considered to serve with any one of these ministries, please contact Janelle Vannoy in the Regional Office at [email protected]. The chair of each ministry will select interested members to serve and will contact you directly. Thank you for your con-sideration of these important ministries of our Region.

micah 6:8


june 23 • 12:30-2:30 at Temple judea 5429 Lindley Ave, Tarzana

(light lunch provided, vegetarian option)

PLeAse RsVP Marsha Novak ([email protected]), Julia Wackenheim ([email protected]),

or Rabbi Jim ([email protected])

“Caring Community: How to Become One”inTeRfAiTH PAneL

Judy Scharf, Temple Judea • Zubair Syed, Islamic Society of the West ValleyPastor Stephane Jaeger, St. Matthew’s Lutheran • Randy Dobbs, L. A. Bahai Center

Rabbi Jim Kaufman, Temple Beth Hillel

C A R I N G A C R O S S G E N E R A T I O N S

WED., JUNE 12, 20191:00pM - 7:00pMin the Social Hall

To make your appointment go to www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor

code: FCCNH or call 818.456.9091.

AmericanRed CrossBlood dRive

... for Lance Ober, who passed away earlier

this month. The ceremony will take place this

saturday, May 25th at 11:00am in the sanctuary

and be followed by a reception in the Social Hall.


Participation in communion is a personal choice. You are not required to take the bread or juice as it is passed. People do and do not take part in communion for many reasons --

This table and what it represents is for all of us. Just as God’s sacrifice, forgiveness and salvation is for all of us.

I greet you in the Wonderful Magnificent name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Meteorologists are often blamed for bad weather. In the great state of Kentucky on a sunny day it might rain unexpectedly. In the Windy City, on a cold winter day, it might snow unexpectedly for hours. On a clear day in Arizona, a sand storm might appear out of nowhere. The unpredictability of the weather is often received as the lack of skill of the person reporting the weather but in reality, as I’ve learned, it’s the weather. It’s seasonal and it comes in waves, stages and phases. It’s the weather and it’s life.

On the journey of life our young people will en-counter storms. It’s possible that at any given moment they will be going into a storm, coming out of a storm, or in the middle a storm, meaning they will be facing or experiencing tumultuous situations for which they feel unprepared to handle. They will be facing unexpected storms for which they feel unequipped to handle. We have all been there.

I’m curious as to the steps you might have taken to find shelter in your storm. I’m curious as to the path you might have taken to successfully navigate in the extreme weather. Did you pray more? Did you talk to friends? Did you seek help? How did you get through your storm? How did you continue to approach each day while in your storm? Did you do all of the above? I know I did!

In the Kentucky rain, I carried an umbrella. In the bitter winter of the Windy City, I wore multiple layers of clothing. In the sand storms of Arizona, I learned to trust my GPS and pull over. On this journey I have learned that I will be tested. I will encounter difficulty and I will face the unexpected. I imagine we will all have a bad ex-

perience. I have learned that I don’t need to go through the storm alone. I can pray with others, talk with others and call for help as the situation demands. But most of all I have learned to believe the words “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

It is my prayer that as they encounter the storms of life that our young people will gain strength from our victories, reach out for support and carry with them the promise of the Creator to be with them always. We will not be forsaken; no matter the forecast, no matter the storm, no matter the situation.

Best,Jeremy Gillett

Director of Youth Ministries

19 May 2019 – Diane O’Brien, Elder

First Christian news May ��, �019

Musical TheaTer caMpGrades 3–12

June 17–21 • 9am–4pm$195 Early Registration $220 Regular Registration

phoTography caMpGrades 3–12

June 24–28 • 9am–12:30pm(Advanced photo until 3pm)

$120 Early Registration $145 Regular • $100 Advanced photo

Dance-FiT caMpK – Grade 6

July 1–5 (except July 4)9am–12:30pm

Aftercare 12:30pm–3pm$100 Early Registration

$125 Regular • $79 Aftercare

KiDs’ culinary caMp 101K – Grade 3

July 8–12 • 9am–12:30pmAftercare 12:30pm–3pm$120 Early Registration $145 Regular Registration

$99 Aftercare

KiDs’ culinary caMp 201Grades 4 – 9

July 8–12 • 9am–3pm$220 Early Registration $245 Regular Registration

Music caMpK - Grade 8

July 15–19 • 9am–12:30pmAftercare 12:30pm–3pm$135 Early Registration $160 Regular Registration

$99 Aftercare

arT caMpGrades 3–12

July 22–26 • 9am–3pm$220 Early Registration $245 Regular Registration

VBs • VacaTion BiBle school

3 yrs/potty-trained – Grade 6 July 29–August 2 • 9am–12:30pm

Aftercare 12:30pm–3pm$115 Early Registration

$140 Regular Registration$99 Aftercare

ChIldREN’s CAMps – sUMMER FEllOwshIpEvery summer our campus is alive with spirited explorations for youngsters. Camp has never been more expanding,

uplifting… or FUN! We know you will want to consider our fun, wholesome, and affordable opportunities for your children! For more info go to www.FCCNH.org, email [email protected] or pick up a brochure in the church office.

2019

Three weeks prior To individual camp sTarT daTe Grade enTerinG in The 2019-2020 school year

May ��, �019 First Christian news

Food Pantry volunteer ContaCtsTransportation Teams:

Maggie Talton [email protected] Representative:

Erin Zavala [email protected]

another way to donate to the pantry

Make your donations to the Interfaith Food Pantry through the FCCNH web page

(https://fccnh.charityfinders.com/Donate%20Cash).

the Food pantry IS In need oF:Canned tuna, canned chicken, rice, canned beans (pinto, navy etc.), BOxed (dRy)

CeReAL, diapers, powdered milk, baby food, peanut butter and tomato products!

Thursday, May 23 #1 Art Dielhenn Terri Hall Jackie Fecske

sunday, May 26 #8 Sally Hallada Joe Beam Eliza Beam Jacob Beam

Thursday, May 30 Swing Team

sunday, june 2 #2 Louise Goben Galen Goben Jeff Goben Hutch Hutchinson Fred Sloan

Wednesday, june 5 Studio City Team

Thursday, june 6 #3 Rae Eiklor Mike Eiklor Neil Eiklor

Our Prayer Group meets in the Chapel to pray on Monday mornings at 9:30 am and on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm. We pray for those of you who have written on the back of one of our prayer cards, prayers forwarded to one of the members of our prayer group via email, in person, or submitted via our website (www.fccnh.org).

Don’t forget that there is a prayer cabinet in the area outside the Chapel and the office next to the drink-ing fountain. You may take a beige card and write down your prayer, then put it through the slot of the locked cabinet, and the Prayer Group will be your prayer sup-port. It will be completely confidential. This cabinet is available any day of the week to receive your prayers and will be checked throughout the week.

prayeris always there

First Christian news May ��, �019

ChurCh staFF

Robert M. Bock Senior PastorLouise Sloan Goben Associate PastorAlfredo Gomez Pastor, Spanish Speaking CongregationJennifer Le’au Director of Children’s MinistriesJeremy Gillett Director of Youth MinistriesTyana Parr Director of Children’s/Youth ChoirsDavid Rigsby Music Director/OrganistChristine Karasseferian Director of FinanceChris CarsonChurch AdministratorGabriela Dorantes Administrative AssistantGlenda Morgan Brown Administrative AssistantTerri Burton Church PublicationsMichele Amundsen Wedding Director Elmer Maldonado Building & Grounds SuperintendentMiriam MancillaDirector of Christian Nursery SchoolGreg Kirkland Media Director

volunteer staFFJacob Beam Craig Brooks, Janette Jara, Tom Louie, Susan Marble, Jeff McFadden, Denise Ovaldson, Tiffany TappSound Technicians

Luis Oliart Security

in MeMoriaMEarle Immel Minister of Music Emeritus

Merle E. Fish, Jr. Minister Emeritus

by Way oF rePort

Week of Sunday, May 19, 2019______________

10:00 AM Worship Service 180 5:30 PM SpiritSong Service 26 7:00 PM Evenlight Service 8 7:00 PM Wednesday Service 6 Sunday School Children 38 Youth (morning) 12 Youth (evening) 7

10:00 AM Worship Service $4,082.00 4:00 PM Servicio En Español $79.00 5:30 PM SpiritSong Service $514.38 7:00 PM Evenlight Service $5.00 Wednesday Meditation Service $18.00 Sunday School Children $21.00

ToTal General offerinG $4,719.38

PLEASE SUBMIT ARTICLES VIA EMAIL [email protected]

or [email protected] indicate “newsletter” and/or “bulletin” in the

subject line if articles are for publication. Articles can also be delivered to the office M-F, 9am to 5pm.

is midnight sunday!

n e w s l e t t e r

First Christian News First Christian ChurCh oF north hollywood

a Congregation oF the Christian ChurCh

(disCiples oF Christ) 4390 ColFax avenue

north hollywood, CA 91604 - 2898

THINK GREEN! PLEASE RECYCLE!NOTE: If you would like to receive this newsletter via Email, which saves

on printing/mailing costs and is better for the environment, please contact us. Annual subscription cost for first class mail version is $24.

May 26 10:00 am Janet Bruce (O) Jacqui Dixon (C) 5:30 pm Diane O’Brien 7:00 pm Anna Sigala

First Christian Church of North Hollywood818/763-8218 • FAX 818/763-8457Web Site: www.fccnh.orgemail: [email protected]

pastor & senior editor Robert M. Bockproofreading Glenda Morgan Brownart direction Terri Burtonproduction services Byron Armantrout

emeritus

Mary Ann Steuterman Billie KlineLillian Carlson Heather Kenney Margaret Defibaugh Cathy Melendez Fern Donald Chuck Mont Jean Johnson Wanda Kanoy Helen Scarna Kay Smith Betty Van Zanten Shirley McClure Deborah Wheeler Virginia Stebbins Cindy Kaller

memorial day • 27 may 2019 - fccnh.org

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