1. First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood
GOOD NEWS
e-mail: nohofumc@pacbell.net
DECEMBER 2016
facebook.com/nohofumc1 www.nohofumc.com
IN THIS ISSUE:
• Tree Lot Ministry
• Christmas Eve Worship
• Operation Gratitude
• Poinsettia Orders
• Mission Team 2017
A NOTE FROM PASTOR JOEY
Advent is a season of time. A time for waiting. A time for watching. A
time for hoping, to catch a glimpse of the grace of God in Jesus. In the
Christ Child, in later ministry, then in life, death and life beyond death,
the message of Jesus is one of time and relationships. He announced
the realm and reign of God as not a future event, but as something at
hand, and the love, forgiveness and grace of God as personally
available now.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. writing on the usage of time said, “We
must use time creatively- and forever realize that the current time is one
in which to hope and do great things.” Jesus lived and moved in real
time. As a teacher, prophet and healer he gave us a model for how to
best use one’s time. Namely in relationship to God and neighbor.
During Advent, we pause amid our busy existence and consider our
faith, our family and our friends.
Jesus was focused and busy. The urgency of his teachings tells of a
Kingdom at hand, present now. Yet, he took time to stop and share his
life with the least, the lost, and the lonely. He healed outcasts, sought
company of sinners and strangers to his culture. In the examples we
have of his ministry, time and again, we are told he used time to be
with ordinary people giving extraordinary blessings.
This Advent let us consider what great things we can do because our
God is one of hope and relationships.
Your Friend and Pastor,
Joey
GOOD NEWS is published monthly by
First United Methodist Church of North
Hollywood, California 91601
Phone (818) 763-8231
Grant Hagiya
Bishop
Rev. Jim Powell
District Superintendent
Dr. Joey K. McDonald
Pastor
Congregation
Ministers
Jeff Thomas
Director of Music
Roger Eshleman
Organist
Nylean Rapinac
Administrator
Patty Kelsey
Director, Program Ministries
Tonya Peat
Director, Outreach Ministries
2. COME AND WORSHIP
The following Bible passages will be the basis for the messages in December.
Please take time each week to read the selected passages.
December 4 Hope, Endurance and Love Romans 15:4-13
December 11 To Wait and Wonder
December 18 Signs and Wonder Isaiah 7:10-16
December 24 7:00 PM - Celebrating Gifts Luke 2:1-20
9:30 PM - Commit to Memory Luke 2:1-20
December 25 Come Home For Christmas
HIGHLIGHTS OF WORSHIP
November 6th - Today was All Saint’s Day. We remember the Saints of our church that we lost this
year. In 2016, Howard Kurushima, entered the church triumphant. We also had monthly
announcements with Norman Kelsey & Phillip Mottaz. Pastor Joey’s sermon, “Spiritual Residue,” was
based on Luke 20:27-38.
November 13th - We celebrated Community Day this morning! Our Church, The Wesley School,
and Boy Scout Troop 18, joined in a special worship service. Everyone was asked to donate towards
Discovery Arts Bedside Boxes and we assembled them today. We were delighted with songs from The
Wesley School students and our choir was accompanied by a drummer while they sang, “Heal The
World.” Worship was followed by art box assembly and a lovely reception in the Social Hall catered by
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 20th - This morning was Christ the King Sunday and Thanksgiving Sunday. Bill Varney
sat in the Lectern. Pastor Joey shared his message titled, “A Prism Of Faith,” based on Jeremiah 23:1-6.
November 27th - Today was the First Sunday in Advent and the members of the UMW lit the
Candle of Hope. Thank you to Kathi Ellis, Judy Palmer, and Jodi Smith. Dan Doggett accompanied
the choir on flute during their anthem. Pastor Joey’s sermon was called, “Wait For It,” based on
Jeremiah 33:14-16.
James 5:7-10
Hebrews 1:1-4(5-12)
It was lovely to see so many people in
the pews for Community Day.
The view from the choir loft was
especially beautiful!
3. Thursday, December 24th
7:00 PM
Features special music and
a children’s message
9:30 PM
Features special music, the Chancel Choir
and Communion is served
Each service concludes with a
candle lighting ceremony
A Special Christmas Mini-Play
featuring our Sunday School Children
Sunday, December 18th
During 10:30 AM Worship
In the Main Sanctuary
If you would like your child to participate,
contact the church office and come to rehearsal
during coffee fellowship on Sunday, 12/4 & 11.
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
4. What’s Happening in December?
Saturday, 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 18th - The Great Church
Christmas Bake Off! Side Dish Heaven!
Sunday, December 25th - 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.
PB&J PROJECT
Thursday,
December 15th
7:00 PM
Lounge
Come make 150 sandwiches that
will feed our homeless community
who receive assistance from the
North Hollywood
Inter-Faith Food Pantry.
Tuesday, December 6th - The Breakfast
Club with Pastor Joey meets at the Magnolia
Grille at 9:30 AM. Please RSVP for this event.
Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays in December
Our 18th Annual Christmas Tree Lot is open for business!
Fridays: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Saturdays: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Sundays: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
We need tree handlers, greeters, & dinner providers.
Sign up at church or online. (Check your weekly email update for link)
Sunday, December 11th - Mission Sunday!
Bring cans of chili and tuna for the food pantry and
a few extra dollars for the blue mission envelopes.
Sunday,
December 11th
Following Worship
Come to our Pop-up
Shop in the Lounge!
Santa may make an
appearance!
Sunday,
December 18th
Following worship
Lounge
Bring your most delicious
Christmas side dishes to church!
Everyone will taste test and vote for
the yummiest goodies!
We will be collecting dough for the
our Missions Fund!
Sunday, December 18th- Sunday School
Children’s Christmas Pageant. During 10:30
Worship Service. Main Sanctuary.
Wednesday, December 14th - UMW Holiday
Luncheon. Noon. $3 Donation. Lunch & Holiday
Program. Lounge.
Thursday, December 15th - PB & J Project.
7:00 PM. Lounge. Come make 150 Sandwiches for
the homeless that receive assistance from NHIFP.
Sunday, December 11th - UMW Boutique
Pop-Up Shop during coffee fellowship!
Friday, December 16th- Tea Fellowship meets
at Tea Elle C Cafe in Santa Clarita. 11:30 AM Tea
Time. Carpool from North Lot at 11AM.
Tuesday, December 13th - Ruth Circle meets
in Lounge at 7:30 PM.
Monday, December 19th - Tabitha Circle
meets in Hand in Hand at 10:30 AM.
5. TO OUR 18TH ANNUAL TREELOT
ON A RECORD BREAKING OPENING DAY!
A TOTAL OF 122 TREES WERE SOLD ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27th!
Many thanks to everyone who took part in: planning meetings, preparations, set up days, signed up for
shifts, showed up at tree delivery day, carried a tree, picked up a chain saw, put together a tree stand,
watered trees, printed fliers, printed tags, brought a meal for the volunteers, greeted, worked as a cashier,
tied a tree to a car, bought a tree, sent people over to buy their trees, and prayed for our success...we thank
you so much! Our community rallied and God blessed our faithful efforts to make our first day such a
success. There are only 7 more tree lot days scheduled and one strike day. Please consider signing up!
The tree lot began as a fundraiser originally but over the years has become a beacon of joy for our
community. Raising funds is a good thing but spreading the message and meaning of Christmas is what our
tree lot is all about. Our trees are symbols of goodwill and the unconditional love of Jesus. The reason for
the Christmas Season. If you ever doubt why we do it, even when it gets tough, remember who we are. We
are called to serve our community and spread the Good News! We hope to see your light shining at our lot
this season!
TREE LOT HOURS
FRIDAYS
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
SATURDAYS
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
SUNDAYS
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
HOW TO VOLUNTEER ON THE LOT
1. In person on Sundays
2. Email Roger at reshleman@aol.com
3. Online http://bit.ly/2fsrO1d
You can volunteer for the following:
GREETERS
TREE HANDLERS
CASHIERS
PROVIDE LUNCHES OR DINNERS
6. To those who turned in their
pledge cards in by the
November 20th deadline!
REMEMBER:
Anytime is a good time to
think about stewardship!
THANK YOU!
TIERRA DEL SOL
You might not have known that for the last 4 1/2
years, David Eshleman has been bringing his client
from Tierra Del Sol, to volunteer at our church once
a week. TDS enables adults with developmental
disabilities an opportunity to have teaching
experiences in real world work situations.
Every Thursday, David Ventura, came into the office
to assist with putting our bulletin inserts, into each
bulletin. He also helped with any special projects, like
putting the candles into drip cups for our candle
lighting at Christmas Eve. Now, David Ventura is
moving onto a new program and we wish him the
best!
We are so grateful to both David’s for bringing this
wonderful opportunity to NoHo FUMC and will miss
there assistance and weekly visits very much.
GARDENING WORK PARTIES FOR NHIFP
Just a reminder that there is a work party this Saturday December 3rd between
8 am – noon at the Studio City Unitarian Universalist Church, 12355
Moorpark Street, Studio City.
The following Sunday, December 11th, between 1 p m and 4 pm we are going
to be installing a hügelkultur mound which is a permaculture technique that
helps to retain water on site while growing vegetables. which will help us
grow vegetables during a sustained drought. Netiya will be conducting this
hands on workshop. We will be also planting vegetables.
Please join either one or both work parties. Questions: 818-232-7388
Some one has said, there are three kinds of
givers -- the flint, the sponge and the
honeycomb.
To get anything out of a flint you must
hammer it. And then you get only chips and
sparks. To get water out of a sponge you must
squeeze it, and the more you use pressure, the
more you will get. But the honeycomb just
overflows with its own sweetness.
Which kind of giver are you?
7. Patty Kelsey will be leading the Mission Team Planning Committee in
2017 and is looking for volunteers to join this powerful ministry. Together,
NOHO FUMC, has rallied to do amazing work within our community
and communities nationally and worldwide. Be apart of our efforts!
Most of our current monthly mission focus projects will continue, however,
we are looking for organizations you would like to bring to the forefront. If
you are feeling called and interested in being a part of the 2017 mission
planning, please touch base with Patty for details of our annual meeting.
Our objective will be to prioritize and schedule the projects for the entire
year. Keep your eyes and ears open for meeting date and time.
THANK YOU TO LYNN YOSHIZUMI
Lynn Yoshizumi is officially stepping down as co-
chair of the Missions Team. We are so grateful for
all of her tireless efforts to make a difference in
communities far and wide.
Lynn has done such good work over the last five
years, which included being our representative at
the Interfaith Food Pantry Coalition and she was
the one who was responsible for the creation of the
PB&J project. Director of the NHIFP, Luis Oliart,
made sure to share his gratitude and praise about
Lynn with me personally. The PB&J Project is now
a mission at many different churches and temples in
the community.
Lynn will continue to represent us at the food
pantry meetings and will lead the PB&J project
every month and take part in mission events as she
is able.
Please take a moment to reach out and thank Lynn
for all her efforts in mission.
INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE MISSION
International Justice Mission has a simple theory of
change: When laws are enforced, the violence stops.
When the justice system protects the poor--and
slave owners, traffickers and other criminals can no
longer exploit with impunity--millions of vulnerable
people will never be abused. IJM’s work proves that
justice systems can change.
IJM works alongside government authorities to:
RESCUE victims from violence
RESTORE survivors to safety and strength
RESTRAIN criminals by brining them to justice
REPAIR the justice system so that it protects entire
communities from ever being abused
The IJM model is at work in nearly 20 communities
throughout Africa, latin America, South Asia and
Southeast Asia. Child sex trafficking was flourishing
when IJM started working in Southeast Asia in
early 2000s. There were no anti-trafficking laws or
specialized units. Courts and social services lacked
resources and political will necessary to protect
children from traffickers. The results show that
there are fewer minors being sold for sex in the
cities where IJM has worked.
Take a look at IJM’s Holiday Gift Catalog online
and donate towards this worthy mission at ijm.org
NoHo FUMC & Wesley working together
for a wonderful cause!
8. PLEASE DONATE DARK COLORED SOCKS THIS
Knit for Kids is a nationwide program that unites thousands of volunteer knitters to fight poverty with our
knitting needles. With every stitch, together we can give hope and warmth to vulnerable children living in
poverty or other difficult situations around the globe. For millions of children, a hand-made item isn't just a
sweater or a blanket. It's a chance at better health. It's protection and warmth from freezing temperatures.
And it's a symbol of support for a better future.
For any child to achieve his or her full potential, the foundation of good health and hygiene must be
established. Yet, millions of children live in tattered clothes because they can't afford decent clothing to
protect them from the elements. This is why we do what we do.
Sixty percent of the items World Vision receives are distributed as far away as Armenia, Nicaragua,
Swaziland, and Tanzania. Forty percent go to destinations as close as Appalachia, New Orleans, and the
Bronx. Sometimes these creations are shipped to an area that experienced a recent natural disaster.
Beginning, January 2017, we are challenging all the knitters and crocheters in our congregation to make
and donate scarves, hats, beanies, gloves and blankets for Knit For Kids! See Patty Kelsey for details on
patterns. This project is ongoing throughout the year but we will announce a goal date for first shipment.
DECEMBER MISSION
CHALLENGE
This month’s Mission Focus is
Operation Gratitude and fulfilling
wish list items for our deployed
troops.
The new year will be here soon and
Operation Gratitude has received
thousands of requests for care
packages! Most needed items are
hand/foot warmers, socks, and travel
sized toiletries.
The socks cannot be white. Please
drop your donations off at the table
in front of Boyer Chapel!
MISSION PROJECT FOR 2017
9. Wishing you a birthday that is merry and bright!
Love, Your Church Family
December 5 Anita McChesney
December 6 Helen Wirth
December 7 Ralph Seybold
December 10 Doug Eboch
December 11 Myriel Tyree
December 17 Charlie Cox
December 17 Cary Noren
December 18 Jeff Thomas
December 19 Pastor Joey
December 20 Genelita Ancheta
December 20 Clive Melville
December 21 James St. John
December 24 Tracey Radillo
December 25 Jesus
December 31 Henri Doble
December 31 Nancy Kien
• Tom Revelli, brother-in-law of Chuck Schafer, had a minor stroke that affected his speech and
balance. He is doing physical therapy while recovering.
• Doug Eboch’s Aunt Fran’s husband, Jim passed away, just a month after their daughter,
Cyndi, died.
• Deanne Cox is continually healing and recovery from her kidney transplant.
• Ed Zung will be undergoing a procedure to place metal stents in his kidneys.
• Charles Minetree is still recovering and healing after being hit by a car while riding his bike.
• Ralph Seybold’s daughter, Bobbie, is suffering from symptoms caused by the West Nile Virus.
She is now paralyzed from the waist down and wheelchair bound.
• Kim Deason’s husband, Mikio, is still receiving treatment for cancer.
• Daniel Nagel has been battling cancer for over a year.
• Keven McConnell is still recovering from Bell’s Palsy.
• Walter Pratt is receiving treatment for esophageal cancer for the last four months.
• Pray for our nation, the world, and it’s leaders.
WITH GRATITUDE
On behalf of the family of Anna Marie Finstad, I would like to
thank Pastor Joey for conducting the service, Jeff Thomas for his
beautiful singing and Patty and Nylean for all they did to help get
everything together for the service. We also appreciated being able
to use the Church Lounge for the reception. Also, thank you to all
for your cards and expressions of sympathy.
Love, Anita McChesney
10. Reflections
Dr. Joey K. McDonald
Advent is an “in the meantime” event in the life of the Church. It is a time of waiting,
a time of anticipation. On the calendar, it occupies the four Sundays between the last
Sunday of Pentecost and the first Sunday of Christmastide. During this time we are
invited to consider the coming of Christ into the world. In the telling and
remembering of the birth narrative of Jesus; through recalling the lives of Joseph and
Mary. In the comparison and contrast of John the Baptist’s story we are given enough
information to formulate an opinion. Ultimately, that opinion becomes a question.
What impact did the coming of Jesus have? The quick answer is we haven’t enough
time or space to cover the impact of Jesus. The teachings, healings, miracles, and love
of Jesus have lasted over two thousand years and touched countless lives. The greater
questions yet remain... What difference does the Carpenter from Nazareth make; even
here, even now?
Perhaps the greatest question is what difference are we willing to allow Jesus to make in
our lives? What burdens are we willing to let loose of? What healing are we willing to
accept? What miracles are we willing to believe in? How much of His love are we
willing to claim for ourselves? Our expectations can be as high as we choose.
In this season of anticipation, consider the gifts given in love, forgiveness, acceptance
by the One known as Immanuel. There is no question that the gifts are given freely.
Acceptance of God’s graciousness is a question we each must answer with our hearts.
Reflections are part of the weekly bulletin inserts for worship. This writing is originally from December 1, 1996.
Dr. McDonald’s message was based on Mark 13:24-37 and the sermon title was “What Are You Waiting For?”
11. OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORSHIP
December 4 Second Sunday of Advent. Purple or Blue.
Isa. 11:1-10; Ps. 72:1-7, 18-19 or (UMH 795); Rom. 15:4-13; Matt. 3:1-12
December 11 Third Sunday of Advent. Purple or Blue or Pink.
Isa. 35:1-10; Luke 1:47-55 or (UMH 199); James 5:7-10; Matt. 11:2-11
December 18 Fourth Sunday of Advent. Purple or Blue.
Isa. 7:10-16; Ps. 80:1-7, 17-19 or (UMH 801); Rom. 1:1-7; Matt. 1:18-25
December 24 Christmas Eve. Peace. White or Gold.
Isa. 9:2-7; Ps. 96 or (UMH 815); Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-20
December 25 Christmas Day. Word. White or Gold.
Isa. 52:7-10; Ps. 98 or (UMH 818); Heb. 1:1-4 (5-12); John 1:1-14
Sunday Worship Services at 10:30 AM in the Main Sanctuary
Children’s Sunday School meets at 10:30 AM in the Community Room/Nursery
Children’s Message the 2nd Sunday of the month during 10:30 worship service and Christmas Eve 7:30 PM
Communion will be celebrated on December 4th at 8:15 AM and 10:30 AM worship services,
and at the 9:30 PM worship service, Sunday, December 24th - Christmas Eve.
8:15 AM Worship Services in Boyer Chapel
December 4 - Pastor Joey December 11 - Patty Kelsey
December 18th - Norman Kelsey December 25th - No 8:15 Worship
Please have your articles for the Good News to the church office by December 17th for the January 2017 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 Hollywood
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA. 91601
