First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood

GOOD NEWSe-mail: nohofumc@pacbell.net

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

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Easter Worship Schedule

• Pastor Led Bible Study

• Table Top Day

• UMW Reading Program

• Food Pantry News

GOOD NEWS is published monthly by First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood, California 91601

Phone (818) 763-8231

Minerva Carcaño Bishop

Rev. Dr. Cedrick BridgeforthDistrict Superintendent

Dr. Joey K. McDonaldPastor

CongregationMinisters

Jeff ThomasDirector of Music

Roger EshlemanOrganist

Nylean RapinacAdministrator

Patty KelseyDirector, Program Ministries

Jessica RenslowDirector, Outreach Ministries

You’ve no doubt seen the commercial.  The buyer takes a credit card out to buy something and a hoard of ruffians heads his or her way.  They stop only upon finding that it is a certain brand of card.  Then looking into the camera the toughies say “What is in your wallet?,” the implication being that if we don’t have this card our monetary life is in danger.  These are interesting times in terms of finances so there is some value to such a message.  To be aware of cost and risk is an important question.  When I started to work for my father at age fifteen, quite often I would ask the question, “Pop, how much does that cost or what is that worth?”  He gave one of three answers consistently. “Too much,” “Enough.”  Or my particular favorite now (not then).  “Son if you have to ask, you can’t afford it.”

The central question of the book of Acts is, what is the cost of discipleship?  The early Church is struggling with not the concept, but the actual risk of following Jesus.  In  chapter 5:27-32, Peter and the Apostles have been brought before the religious council for violation of religious law.  This has, of course, a familiar ring to it, for not a week ago the Scripture reading for Holy Thursday, and Good Friday had similar questions being  asked of Jesus. The high priest states ,“We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.”  Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.  The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree.  God exalted him... and we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit...”  It is clear that the Apostles have been warned not to preach in the name of Jesus or to teach his ways in Jerusalem.  Yet, here they are before the very same council that warned them not to do so.  When they told the religious leaders that it was by the power of God through the Holy Spirit that they preached and taught, at first the Council so enraged wanted to kill them.  However, at the urging of one leader they were instead jailed, beaten and released.  Whereupon, they rejoiced in their suffering and immediately began preaching and teaching in the name of Jesus.

The early Christian Mothers and Fathers knew the very real risks attached to life in relation with Jesus.  Yet they embraced it.  We in the modern Church are apt to ask why should I do this or that, or even more pointedly, what’s in it for me?  Our ancestors in the faith knew if not intrinsically, certainly in their souls, that personal cost was not the question.  Perhaps they knew Paul’s words from II Corinthians 5:19-20 “that is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting our trespasses against us, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation... Making us ambassadors for Christ.”  We do well not to ask what the salary and benefits are?

Your Friend and Pastor,Joey

A NOTE FROM PASTOR JOEY

COME AND WORSHIPThe following Bible passages will be the basis for the 10:30 messages in April.

Please take time each week to read the selected passages.

April 6 Spiritually Seeking Romans 8:6-11

April 13 A Road Story Matthew 21:1-11

April 20 6:30 AM Celebrating Nothing and Everything Matthew 28:1-10 9:00 AM A Revelation In Waiting Colossians 3:1-4 10:30 AM Slouching Toward Salvation John 20:1-18

April 27 To Bear Witness To Love Acts 2:14a, 22-32

HIGHLIGHTS OF WORSHIP

March 2 - Lynne Hutton led the Children’s Cherub Choir this morning. They sang “I’m Gonna Sit at the Welcome Table” for us today. Norman Kelsey and Rachel Mottaz shared March announcements in Oscar fashion. The offertory was presented by Rachel Mottaz and she shared a special Lenten action board with all of us. Based on prayers, presence, gifts, and service. Pastor Joey’s sermon, “A Well Devised Truth,” was based on 2 Peter 1:16-21.

March 4 - This evening we tried something new called Shrove Tuesday. Roger Eshleman played organ and piano. Shaun Vieten played guitar and sang “Oh What A Friend We Have In Jesus.” Lisa Cheby ready poetry. Norman Kelsey and Pastor Joey shared perspectives on Lent. Following worship service everyone went to the lounge for a pancake dessert bar where mini pancakes and all the yummy toppings were served.

March 5 - Ash Wednesday. The prayer chapel was open for candle lighting and silent meditation beginning at 5:00 PM. Prayer guides were available with suggestions for meditations on the Lenten Season. Silent Communion was served by Norman Kelsey.

March 9 - Patty Kelsey shared a Moment with Children about Lent and giving back instead of giving things up. Larry Pines made an announcement about the See’s Candy fundraiser for the UMM. Today’s message was titled, “On Being Without Understanding,” based on Psalm 32.

March 16 - The Acolytes were recognized this morning for their dedication and wonderful service. Many thanks to Daniella Lake, Isabella Day, Bryan Ancheta and Brandon Ancheta. There was also a Moment with Children by Patty Kelsey about Lucky Charms. Pastor Joey’s sermon, “The Direction of Help,” was based on Psalm 121.

March 23 - This morning, we were treated to a special Mission Moment by the Director of Volunteer Services at Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission. Francis Nyaforh joined the Chancel Choir Anthem of “Upon This Rock.” Pastor Joey shared a message on “The Unburdened Heart,” based on Psalm 95.

What’s Happening in April?

Thursday, April 17th - Maundy/Holy Thursday Tenebrae Worship Service. Join us for a service of darkness at 7:30 PM in Boyer Chapel.

Sunday, April 13th - Missions Sunday! Please bring nonperishable proteins to donate to the Food Pantry! (Tuna, Peanut Butter, Chili)

Friday, April 18th - Good Friday Worship will take place at 6:30 PM in Boyer Chapel. Communion will be served.

Easter Sunday, April 20th - HAT SUNDAY! Wear you best Easter Sunday Hat to church!

Saturday, April 19th - Our Annual Children’s Easter Party will take place at 10:30 AM in the Social Hall. Please invite your family, friends and neighbors for this special event!

SATURDAYApril 5th

1:00 PM - 7:00 PMLounge

Come and play at our board game party! Fun for all ages!

Refreshments too!

Palm Sunday, April 13th Assemble Easter Baskets for the Children of families that receive assistance from Hope of the Valley Rescue. Assembly will take place in front of the Lounge during coffee hour.

Saturday, April 5th - Table Top Day! In the Lounge from 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Refreshments and board games!

Wednesday, April 16th - Ruth Circle meets at 7:30 PM. Location TBD.

Easter Sunday, April 20th - Worship Services: 6:30 AM - Patio; 7:30 AM - Continental Breakfast in the Community Room; 9:00 AM - Boyer Chapel;10:30 AM - Main Sanctuary.Monday, April 21st - Tabitha Circle Meets at 10:30 AM in the Hand in Hand Room.

Wednesday April 23rd - UMW Boutique Workshop. 9:30 AM at the home of Kathi Ellis.

Monday, April 14th- Martha Circle Meets at 11:00 AM. Location TBD. Tuesday, April 22nd - United Methodist Men

meets at Hill Street Cafe. 7:30 PM.

Sunday, April 13th - All Church Movie Outing! NoHo Laemmle. NOAH. See David Eshleman.

Sunday, April 6th - UMW Spring Boutique! A pop-up-shop will be open during coffee fellowship.

Sunday, April 6th - Bible Study with Pastor Joey. 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM in the Lounge.

Wednesday, April 9th - The UMW General Luncheon. Lo-Fe-Lo. 12:00 PM. $3 Donation.

Sunday, April 13th - Bible Study with Pastor Joey. 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM in the Lounge.

Thursday, April 17th - PB & J Project. Meet in the Lounge at 7:00 PM.

Join us for a 2-Week Study with Pastor Joey

SUNDAYSApril 6th & 13th

4:00 PM - 5:30 PMLounge

Living The Questions First Light

Jesus & The Kingdom of God

ALL CHURCH MOVIE OUTING

Sunday, April 13thFollowing Easter Basket Assembly.

David Eshleman invites everyone to gather at the

Laemmle NoHo 7!

April 13th

Please bring:* Jars of peanut butter* Cans/pouches of Tuna * Soups high in protein

By Lynn Yoshizumi

The Bridge - For many of the men completing a 9-month in-patient drug and alcohol recovery program at the Rescue Mission’s John E. White House of Hope, the thought of leaving the security and accountability of the program seemed daunting. Now Hope of the Valley RM has opened a 14-bed Transitional Living Facility in the West Valley called THE BRIDGE to bridge the gap from life in a program to life back in society. Each participant is required to get a job, stay clean and sober (verified through random drug testing), and attend at least 5 meetings per week designed to help them maintain their sobriety.

Escrow Closed - Hope of the Valley RM has purchased a 16,000 sq.ft. building on Sepulveda Blvd in Mission Hills which will be the new headquarters. There they will open a Recuperative Care Center, a Medical Clinic and a Mental Health Clinic.    Plus, there will be a fully licensed commercial catering kitchen onsite that will provide food services to satellite shelters to be opened all across the valley.

In 2013 the Pantry distributed over 17,680 bags of non-perishable foods to feed more than 46,500 people. The food bags are designed to provide emergency food for a family of 4 for 2 days.

The Pantry fiscal year runs from July 1st-June 30th. For fiscal 2012-2013 the Pantry took in

$68,653 as follows:        Congregations $28,888, including $1,200 from

FUMC/NH        Individuals 22,435

        Other organizations 12,350        Thanksgiving Service 4,590

        Fund raisers 390

Since the Pantry is an all-volunteer organization expenses for operating the Pantry are kept to a minimum. For fiscal 2012-2013, expenses were

$62,843, of which $44,605 was for the purchase of food from either L.A. Regional Food Bank or

Bargain Wholesale. In addition, the Valley Interfaith Council used $21,734 in FEMA funds to

pay the food vendors for additional food. The FEMA money is very unpredictable. Money was received in October 2010, November 2011, and

January 2013.

If you would like to make a monetary donation, you can put either cash or a check in one of the

envelopes found in the pews and write “Pantry” on the check or envelope. You can also go to the Pantry website www.nhifp.org and donate by

Discover Card, MasterCard or VISA.

UMW READING PROGRAMBy Lynn Yoshizumi

In 2013 eleven of our United Methodist Women read a total of 98 books. At the District Leadership Training in early February once again our UMW was awarded the Reading Program banner for the highest percentage of readers in our District. The following women received Reading Program certificates: For reading one book in each of 5 categories, Deanne Cox, Judy Palmer, Jodi Smith, Carol Van Meter and Lynn Yoshizumi received Level I Reading Program Certificates. Margaret Allen, Kim Miller, Hanna Sack, Marijane Settlemyer, and Myriel Tyree received Level II Certificates for reading two books in each category. Again this year Marion Elkerton earned a Level IV Certificate for reading a total of 20 books, at least 2 in each category. Congratulations to all of these readers.

Fifteen new books were purchased for the 2014 Reading Program - 3 for each of the 5 reading categories - Education for Mission, Leadership Development, Nurturing for Community, Social Action and Spiritual Growth. Most of the usual readers have already checked out one or more books at the January or February UMW general meeting or during coffee fellowship after church.If you would like to have a list of the books with a brief description of each one, please see me.

Marion has provided this review of one of the books. "A great, new book has arrived at our church library titled 'AWAKE, Doing a World of Good One Person at a Time' by Noel Brewer Yeatts. Here is an excerpt from her book: 'You do not have to look far for a place to let justice roll: a hurting neighbor, a homeless man outside the grocery store, a couple going through a divorce, a friend mourning the loss of a loved one, a hungry child halfway around the world, or an entire country nearly destroyed by genocide. Opportunities for restoring hope through justice are all around us.'"

We are happy to announce that the book "Half the Sky" has been returned to the library.

We will also have games for younger kids like Candyland and Chutes and Ladders.

Feel free to bring your own favorite board game! Light refreshment will be provided. Please RSVP to the office – and don’t forget to invite a friend!

To see our event on the Tabletop website, go to: http://www.tabletopday.com/item/fumc-north-hollywood/

FUMC No Ho will be hosting a Tabletop Day gaming event on Saturday, April 5! Tabletop Day is organized by the Geek & Sundry web series “Tabletop,” hosted by Wil Wheaton.

People all around the world register to host public board game parties. Our event will take place in the Lounge from 1-7 pm. Come discover new games like:

King of Tokyo – you are a giant monster fighting other giant monsters for control of Tokyo.Ticket to Ride – collect cards to build railroad lines across the United States.

Small World – various races like elves, dwarves and Amazons fight for territory in an overcrowded land

And special guest Peter Vaughan, a game designer, will be demonstrating his new game, “What the Food?” - a fun card game about a high school food fight.

Wishing you many blessings on your birthday!Love, Your Church Family

April 4 Tanna HavlickApril 5 MacKenzie MelvilleApril 5 Andrew Shuford April 7 Jon KoenigsaeckerApril 7 Tara VarilekApril 9 Connie AlbrightApril 12 Margaret DixonApril 13 Lisa ChebyApril 15 Debbie CoyleApril 15 Tonya PeatApril 16 Gail Acosta

April 16 Bradley Davis April 17 Charles LeesApril 17 Cliff RogersApril 19 George PetersApril 23 Brian EllisApril 24 Jim TyreeApril 27 Letha WattsApril 28 Mark HannonApril 30 Charles MinetreeApril 30 David Varney

• Patricia Wiley, sister-in-law of Wendy Welch, is going to have 6 weeks of chemotherapy. She was diagnosed with colon cancer.

• Gary Solt’s cousin, David Samson--who is studying ministry in South Carolina, has been diagnosed with leukemia. It is his second time through this.

• Prayers for Jessie Renslow's friend Tom. His Mother, Junko Osugi, has a rare form of cancer. She is a college professor, the mother of 4 and grandmother of one.

• Andy Merrill received disheartening news from his insurance company that they will not cover his open heart surgery. The cardiologist said that this surgery is necessary to replace a valve that is ruptured and leaking.

• Monica McLaughlin has been ill for many months, which has caused her much mental and physical stress. She needs prayers to help find a solution.

•  Kim Deason has been struggling with major sciatic nerve pain & deep vein thrombosis.•  Norman Kelsey's Mother, Pat Vail, is recuperating following major hip surgery.  • Larry Pines is having problems with his left hip and other health concerns.• Julie LeMay, after 19 months of remission, has a reoccurrence of cancer and is starting chemo

again. • Lisa Cheby’s friend, Sharon, needs to find new work and make some life changes. • Hal Smoker recently lost his wife, Peggy. Peggy is Lisa Cheby’s mother’s cousin.• Carol and David Henke’s friend, Dirk Craft, has been battling leukemia for a few years and is in

final stages of life. Please lift up his family.

Reflections! Joey K. "Donald

Reflections are part of the weekly bulletin inserts for worship. This writing is originally from February 28, 1999 and Dr. McDonald’s sermon was titled “Grace Under Fire” based on Romans 4:1-5, 13-17.

Psalm 121 is a liturgy of blessing. The opening verse is “I lift my eyes to the hills.  From whence does my help come?  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”  The next six verses of this brief poem go on to list in specific and determinant ways, the power of God as protector and care-giver.  

The Psalms are a common part of the Lenten tradition for Christians. In the temptation of Jesus, found in Matthew 4:1-11, one of the tests the devil seeks to put Jesus to is taking him to a high place on the Temple saying,  “If you are the son of God, throw yourself off. For it is written He will give his angels charge over you... On their hands they will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” The scripture quoted by the prince of evil is, of course, from Psalm 91, similar to Psalm 121 though longer and fuller in its description of the blessings of faithfulness to God.  The devil’s attempt to use the Good Word for ill is felled by the response of Jesus, who uses Deuteronomy 6:16, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” 

Lent is a time of soul searching and soul care.  In this time we seek to know the God of the manger and the God of the Cross.  Here we endeavor to reconcile our brokenness with the power of God to mend us through grace. The Psalms remind us that in the main faith is hard work.  A large measure of that work is worship.  Namely, magnifying and proclaiming the love of God we have come to know and experience.  By sharing our faith with others, our faith then becomes a liturgy (that is) a work of blessing.

A famous television evangelist paraphrases Psalm 121 in the benediction he gives at the end of worship.  In a dramatic fashion he faces the people and the cameras and says, “And now may the Lord bless you and keep you, in your going out and your coming in, in your laughter and in your tears, in your labor and in your leisure... From this time forth and forevermore.”  Before there was lights, cameras, and makeup, there was The Word, and it is enough.  Our task, as followers, is to make it a workable part of life.  As believers to make it real in us and for others.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORSHIP

April 6 Fifth Sunday in Lent. Purple. Ezek. 37:1-14; Ps. 130 or UMH 848; Rom. 8:6-11; John 11:1-45 April 13 Passion/Palm Sunday. Purple. Matt. 21:1-11; Ps. 118:1-2, 19-29 or UMH 839

April 20 Easter Sunday. White or Gold. Acts 10:34-43 or Jer. 31:1-6; Ps. 118:1-2, 14-24 or UMH 839; Col. 3:1-4 or Acts 10:34-43 John 20:1-18 or Matt. 28:1-10.

April 27 Second Sunday of Easter. White or Gold. Acts 2:14a, 22-32; Ps. 16 or UMH 748; 1 Pet. 1:3-9; John 20:19-31

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 Moment every second & third Sunday of the month during 10:30 AM worshipNo Communion on April 6th. Communion served on Good Friday and Sunrise Service.

8:15 AM Worship Services in Boyer Chapel April 6- Pastor Joey April 13 - Norman Kelsey

April 27 - Sandra Smith

Easter Sunday (April 20) Worship Schedule6:30 AM - Patio (Communion served) 9:00 AM - Boyer Chapel 10:30 AM - Main Sanctuary

Please have your articles for the Good News to the church office by April 17th for the May 2014 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

Holy ThursdayTENEBRAEApril 17th7:30 PM

Boyer ChapelCommunion Served

The purpose of the Tenebrae is to recreate the emotional aspects

of the Passion story.

The service will be in candlelight and each candle will be

extinguished in memory of Christ’s passion.

This is called the Office of Tenebrae (Shadows) and the service will end in darkness.

Chapel Service Communion

Good FridayApril 18th6:30 PM

Boyer Chapel

Children’s Easter PartySaturday, April 19th

10:30 AMSocial Hall

Face Painting, Arts & Crafts,

Meet the Easter Bunny!

6:30 AM Sunrise ServiceApril 20th

On the Patio*Communion Served

Continental Breakfast7:30 AM

Community Room

9:00 AM WorshipApril 20th

Boyer Chapel

10:30 AM WorshipApril 20th

Main Sanctuary

HAT SUNDAY!

Easter Sunday is the day to wear your best hat!

We’ll be looking for the jauntiest chapeaus this special day!