Published monthly, "The Good News" serves as a way to connect with our congregation and the greater Los Angles community. All are welcome, so please feel free to download a copy of the "Good News!"
First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood GOOD NEWS e-mail: [email protected]NOVEMBER 2014 facebook.com/nohofumc1 www.nohofumc.com IN THIS ISSUE: • Ol’ McDonald’s Farm • UMW Holiday Boutique • Tree Lot Time • Community Day • Mission Projects A NOTE FROM PASTOR JOEY James 5:7-10 deals with three of the most divisive and destructive elements to individuals personally and to the faith community specifically. These are a lack of patience, a sense of worry and the tendency to gossip. Of patience, the 18th century French naturalist, Buffon wrote, “Never think that God’s delays are God’s denials. Hold on; hold fast; hold out. Patience is genius.” Others have termed patience a virtue or the highest of spiritual gifts. These are easy things to say, but far more difficult in practice when we who wait are bearing the freight of anticipation. The author of James wrote to offer calm to a people anxious in awaiting the return of the Lord. He wrote to calm their spirits and remind them that God keeps promises. Worry is a useless emotion. It intensifies our fears and anxieties thereby having an adverse effect on our emotional and our physical health. However, for many of us, worry remains our chief avocation. We worry about the weather, government, schools, our children and our grandchildren. We worry about the crops, the economy and the traffic. In short you name it and we worry about it. We can at times make worry our work. Here the author says that to work at worry is to deny the power of God to allay our fears. The value of worry was well put by Alice Hegan Rice, “It ain’t no use putting up your umbrella till it rains.” James 5:9 reads, “Do not grumble, brethren, against one another, that you may not be judged; behold the Judge is standing at the door.” This admonition against recreational griping was used to show people that the house of faith functions to build up, not tear down each other. In the early Church there was much talk about who was in charge, who had real spiritual gifts and how money was to be spent. Of course, grumbling in the faith community is foreign to those of us who have evolved spiritually. We are so mature in our faith that the thought of criticizing one another couldn’t possibly enter our minds, let alone come from our lips. Why just the other day I was talking with a pastor saying, “If I could just get these slothful parishioners to respond in some way that resembles Christian behavior.” Ah–but that’s another Reflection now isn’t it? If we take the words of this text seriously, we can be patient, knowing that we are in God’s hands. We can retire from the work of worry counting on our strength of spirit to empower us in all things great and small. We can use our voice to speak against injustice rather than cite petty infractions measured by narrow standards we, ourselves, set. We can witness to the love and grace we have experienced and build each other up through hope and encouragement. Your Friend and Pastor, Joey 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 Bridgeforth 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 Jessica Renslow Director, Outreach Ministries
NOVEMBER 2014facebook.com/nohofumc1 www.nohofumc.com
IN THIS ISSUE:
• Ol’ McDonald’s Farm
• UMW Holiday Boutique
• Tree Lot Time
• Community Day
• Mission Projects
A NOTE FROM PASTOR JOEY
James 5:7-10 deals with three of the most divisive and destructive elements to individuals personally and to the faith community specifically. These are a lack of patience, a sense of worry and the tendency to gossip.
Of patience, the 18th century French naturalist, Buffon wrote, “Never think that God’s delays are God’s denials. Hold on; hold fast; hold out. Patience is genius.” Others have termed patience a virtue or the highest of spiritual gifts. These are easy things to say, but far more difficult in practice when we who wait are bearing the freight of anticipation. The author of James wrote to offer calm to a people anxious in awaiting the return of the Lord. He wrote to calm their spirits and remind them that God keeps promises.
Worry is a useless emotion. It intensifies our fears and anxieties thereby having an adverse effect on our emotional and our physical health. However, for many of us, worry remains our chief avocation. We worry about the weather, government, schools, our children and our grandchildren. We worry about the crops, the economy and the traffic. In short you name it and we worry about it. We can at times make worry our work. Here the author says that to work at worry is to deny the power of God to allay our fears. The value of worry was well put by Alice Hegan Rice, “It ain’t no use putting up your umbrella till it rains.”
James 5:9 reads, “Do not grumble, brethren, against one another, that you may not be judged; behold the Judge is standing at the door.” This admonition against recreational griping was used to show people that the house of faith functions to build up, not tear down each other. In the early Church there was much talk about who was in charge, who had real spiritual gifts and how money was to be spent. Of course, grumbling in the faith community is foreign to those of us who have evolved spiritually. We are so mature in our faith that the thought of criticizing one another couldn’t possibly enter our minds, let alone come from our lips. Why just the other day I was talking with a pastor saying, “If I could just get these slothful parishioners to respond in some way that resembles Christian behavior.” Ah–but that’s another Reflection now isn’t it?
If we take the words of this text seriously, we can be patient, knowing that we are in God’s hands. We can retire from the work of worry counting on our strength of spirit to empower us in all things great and small. We can use our voice to speak against injustice rather than cite petty infractions measured by narrow standards we, ourselves, set. We can witness to the love and grace we have experienced and build each other up through hope and encouragement.
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
The following Bible passages will be the basis for the messages in November.Please take time each week to read the selected passages.
November 2 You’ll Never Make A Saint Of Me 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13
November 9 Community Day
November 16 TBA November 23 A Shepherd’s Work
November 30 Live Your Strength 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
HIGHLIGHTS OF WORSHIP
October 5th - Norman Kelsey and Phillip Mottaz shared spooky October Announcements as Doctor Mottazstein & The Count. This morning’s special music was the duo of Jeff Thomas and Norman Kelsey, who sang, Rainbow Connection. Pastor Joey shared a message based on Philippians 3:4b-14 titled “Of Loss and Gain.” Communion was served today at 8:15 AM & 10:30 AM worship services. A Laity Sunday planning meeting took place in Hand in Hand.
October 12th - Patty Kelsey shared a moment with the children on patience. Wendy Welch shared a mission moment about letter writing to our service men and women via Operation Gratitude. A Stewardship Moment about, the green, the duckets, and the cheddar was humorously and effectively given by Rhonda Scott. Pastor Joey’s sermon, “On Breaking Contracts,” was based on Exodus 32:1-14.
October 19th - Today was Laity Sunday where we had various members of our congregation lead all the aspects of worship. Thanks to Scott Shepard for facilitating, also to Doug Eboch, Bill Varney, Rhonda Scott, Jessie Renslow, Amy Schwartz, Norman Kelsey, Charles Minetree, and Chuck Schafer. Special music by David Eshleman, Francis Nyaforh and Shaun Vieten! Lisa Cheby’s message was titled, “Spiritual Bean Counting,” based on Matthew 22:15-22. Lunch was hosted by Pastor Joey, Sue, Aaron & Ian in the Social Hall.
October 26th - We introduced a new acolyte this morning, Samantha Calvert, who was thrilled to take on the important roll. Pastor Joey’s sermon was based on Deuteronomy 34:1-12, and was titled, “Blessed Not Entitled.”
TBA
Ezekial 34:11-16, 20-24
Ol’ McDonald had a farm...E-I-E-I-O!
And on his farm he had Charge Conference, E-I-E-I-O!
Mark your calendar: Sunday, November 16thPresentation & Luncheon
Following worship in the Social Hall
Sunday, November 9th10:30 AM Worship Service
Reception to follow in the Social Hall
COMMUNITY DAYCelebrating together with NoHo FUMC,
Boy Scout Troop 18, Girl Scouts of America, Evergreen Music Conservatory and
The Wesley School
The UMW Holiday Boutique will be open during the
reception in the Social Hall following worship.
SUDSY SUNDAY!Together as a community, we will be collecting travel size hygiene items to fill our
CARE KITS for the homeless.
This is a perfect time to clean out that drawer filled with hotel bath supplies.
•Chap Stick •Antibacterial Gel •Hairbrushes or Combs
Donations can also be dropped off on any of the first 4 Sundays in November!
What’s Happening in November?
Saturday, November 8th - UMW Holiday Boutique Opens! 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM in the Social Hall! Lunch served from 11:00 AM.
Saturday, November 29th - Church Christmas Decorating! It’s that time of the year already! Meet in the Sanctuary to decorate the church for Christmas! 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Lunch Provided.
Saturday, November 22nd - Tree Lot Set Up 9AM - 1PM. Meet at Lounge.
Sunday, November 30th - Care Kits for the Homeless Assembly Day! Assist the Mission Team during coffee fellowship and make a hygiene and snack kit for the chronic homeless. Outside lounge.
Saturday, November 1st - Daylight Savings Time ends. Remember to set your clocks back one hour tonight!
Sunday, November 9th - Community Day! Celebrating our wonderful community! (See flier.)
Tuesday, November 25th - Methodist Men meet in the Lounge. 7:30 PM.Wednesday, November 26th - Inter-Faith Food Thanksgiving Eve Service. Unitarian Universalist Church. 7:00 PM. (See flier.)
Monday, November 17th- Tabitha Meets in Hand in Hand at 10:30 AM.
Sunday, November 9th - Mission Sunday! Bring jars of peanut butter for the food pantry and a few extra dollars for the blue mission envelopes.
Monday, November 10th - All Church Movie Night. Lounge. 6:45 PM - Dinner and 7:15 PM - Movie. Hosted by David Eshleman.
Monday, November 3rd - UMW Cooking for the boutique! 9:30 AM in the big kitchen!
Monday, November 10th- Martha Circle meets at 11:00 AM. Hand in Hand. Saturday, November 29th - Christmas Trees
Delivered! Morning delivery. Time TBD. Please volunteer your elbow grease today! Lunch provided.
Sunday,November 16th
Following WorshipSocial Hall
Come celebrate on “Ol’ Mcdonald’s Farm!”
Luncheon & PresentationDress in farmer duds!
ALL CHURCH
Monday, November 10th
6:45 PM - Dinner7:15 PM - Movie
Sunday, November 16th - Charge Conference! Presentation & Luncheon Celebration. Social Hall.
Saturday, November 29th - Care Kit Prep Day after lunch. Meet in front of Boyer Chapel.
CAN YOU HELP?
We need farm hands to assist with set up for
Charge Conference!
November 16th8:30 AM - Audio Visual Set Up
9:00 AM - Decorate Tables9:00 AM - Pick Up Balloons
Clean Up Crew
Sign up with Patty!
Wednesday, November 19th- Ruth Circle meet at the home of Lynn Yoshizumi. 7:30PMThursday, November 20th- PB&J Project meet in the Lounge at 7:00 PM.
Sunday, November 30th - 16th Annual Tree Lot Opens at Noon. Closes at 9PM. Volunteer!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
SOCIAL HALL The United Methodist Women have been stitching, painting, gluing, baking, canning and planting all year to create another wonderful afternoon of shopping and fellowship.
The traditional BBQ beef sandwich lunch will be served between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
All proceeds from this event go toward assisting several mission projects...The David & Margaret Home for girls, The Methodist Hospital in Arcadia, New Entra Casa and Toberman Neighborhood Center in San Pedro. Come and delight in our baked goods, homemade jams and jellies, plants, handmade holiday decorations and gifts and, of course, the "Second Time Around Table." Mark your calendars!
Letters to HerosMission team member Wendy Welch is conducting a letter writing campaign for Operation Gratitude beginning this month.
The purpose of this writing campaign is to provide quality, heartfelt letters of thanks to include in each Operation Gratitude package.
The heart of this program is to bring a smile to the faces of the Service Members who receive and read the cards.
If you would like to participate, cards may be picked up during coffee fellowship from Wendy.
Here is a recent patient at Long Beach Memorial, who received a bedside adventure kit that NoHo FUMC put together!
Especially needed for these bags are cans with pop-tops, containing things like Vienna sausage, Chef Boyardee and Campbell soups. Also, if you shop in an area where you can still get free paper bags, please ask for some extra ones for the Pantry.
HELP!Special bags of no-cook food are p r e p a r e d f o r homeless clients.
For the month of November, The PB&J Project will be back to the regular schedule of the 3rd Thursday of the month. This month, we will meet on, November 20th.
Please join us in the church lounge at 7 pm. If you can't get in the gate from the north parking lot, make loud noises or knock on a lounge window from the driveway.
Pam Lippert has joined the group the past 2 times and Roger Eshleman came for the second time. We'd like to add your name to the group.
PB&J PROJECT
On October 16th, the Wesley School 2nd graders made peanut butter sandwiches for their service learning project and Jodi Smith helped with supervision and delivery of the sandwiches to the Pantry.
CARE KIT MONTH
In conjunction with Community Day, NOHO FUMC will be collecting donations to fill our CARE KITS FOR THE HOMELESS
the first 4 Sundays in November!
Did you know that after sharing our projects on social media the last few years that friends on Instagram & Facebook have shared our ideas
with their various organizations?
You can even see a version of our Care Kits on Pinterest, titled, “Blessing Bags.”
Good deeds are contagious! Lets keep it up!
November 2, 9, 16 & 23 - Donation Collection
Sunday, November 30thFollowing church decorating & tree lot set up
In front of Boyer Chapel
Our Goal is 150 completed kits!Travel Size Item Wish List:150 - Soap or Body Wash
150 - Shampoo & Conditioner150 - Deodorant
150 - Lotion150 - Toothbrush & Toothpaste
150 - Toothpicks or Floss150 - Mouthwash
150 - Razors & Shaving Cream150 - Antibacterial Hand Gel
150 - Baby Wipes150 - Chapstick
150 - Tissue Packs
Assembly Day is Sunday, November 30th!Following worship in front of the lounge.
Cut this out to keep in your wallet!
I have to admit that I had not heard the rhyme “The House that Jack Built” that Jim Tyree referred to in the letter sent out to kick off the 2015 Stewardship Campaign. In reading it, it shows how the “house” is indirectly linked to other things and people.
The 1st United Methodist Church of North Hollywood is like that “house” indirectly linked to many things and people, within the church building, the North Hollywood community and globally. It is also linked to each and every one of us that sits in the pew on Sundays.
Joyce Cunningham brought up the word Stewardship in her letter to the church and mentions that she is a lifelong steward of several Methodist churches. I too have been a lifelong Methodist and steward. At previous Methodist churches I attended in my journey of faith, I was very involved with several Finance committees. Finance committees are a necessary thing for churches to operate. Some committees have been fine and others torturous. One year I really enjoyed being on a Finance Committee. We started each meeting with a devotional reading from a book by Robert Schnase called “Practicing Extravagant Generosity.” The book challenges and provokes our thoughts on Stewardship and Giving. One of my favorite readings was “Grace of Giving” where it says, “Churches that practice extravagant generosity…emphasize the Christian’s need to give more than the churches need for money.”
I like that. I want my church to let me know when there is a need or some shortcomings in meeting our regular bills. The church cannot operate if we can’t keep the lights lit, the organ playing or pay our staff - that all takes “money” – “dinero” – “chump change.” I also want my church to practice extravagant generosity - to emphasize our need to give.
I ask that you read 2 Corinthians, especially chapters 8 and 9. It talks about giving and our need to give. Chapter 8, verse 7 reads: “But since you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you – see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”
We will be asking you to think about your sustained giving, whether by pledge card on Victory Sunday on November 16th or presented with the offering plate each Sunday, think about 2 Corinthians 9:7 “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
GENEROSITY CAMPAIGNBy Chuck Schafer
GIVING TUESDAYBy Lynn Yoshizumi
You have heard about the shopping traditions of Black Friday - the day after Thanksgiving when the stores have huge sales and the merchants hope to get into the black for the year, Local Business Saturday - when people are urged to support mom-and-pop shops that make our communities vital and vibrant, and Cyber Monday - the biggest day of the year for on-line shopping. Here is a new one - Giving Tuesday, part of an international movement that offers an opportunity to start the holiday season by giving instead of getting, while supporting organizations that are transforming the world.
On Tuesday, December 2, you can extend the spirit of giving thanks into the Advent season by participating in the United Methodist Church's #GivingTuesday. Every gift made online at www.umcmission.org/give that day will be matched up to $1 million. The UMC General Board of Global Ministries will allocate the matching funds dollar-for-dollar up to the first $1 million in gifts to Advance projects received online Dec. 2 between 12 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. EST. A maximum of $2,500 per individual gift to a project will be dispersed as matching funds. A project may receive a maximum of $25,000 in matching funds.
Last year on UMC #GivingTuesday, United Methodists collectively raised a record $6.5 million on line through The Advance. 11,000 individuals and churches in 34 countries gave more than 16,300 gifts to mission projects and ministries they believe in. It was a wonderful sign of commitment and extravagant generosity, maximizing the impact of thousands of United Methodists coming together on one day to support ministries that are transforming the world all year around.
The Advance is the UMC's giving channel which ensures that 100% of each gift supports the project designated by the donor. The Advance encompasses more than 850 Methodist-related projects and more than 300 missionaries, all of them reviewed and monitored by Global Ministries staff. For instance, you might want to support Red Bird Mission or Gary and Cindy Moon, missionaries in Thailand, or the UMC response to the Ebola crisis or helping people in communities in the U.S that have been devastated by hurricanes and tornados. The choice is yours!
On Saturday, Oct. 25th, several members of our congregation participated in assembly day: Anita McChesney, Chuck Schafer, Pam Lippert, Rosemary Kent and Diane Western.
There will be 2 more assembly days for Operation Gratitude before Christmas: Saturday, Nov. 8th, and Saturday, Dec. 13th. A group from the church will be going on Dec. 13th from 9AM - Noon. If you’d like to go that day, contact Lynn Yoshizumi at 818-764-8803 or [email protected]. As usual, there will be something for everyone to do - seated and standing jobs, indoors or outdoors.
Also please be sure that your notes to the troops and any scarves, cartoons and puzzles are in the cartoons box in the Lounge by Sunday, Dec. 7th. Lynn will deliver them to Operation Gratitude when she goes on the 13th.
Minette Harris is recuperating at St. Elizabeth Care Center on Magnolia.
Nancy Gatchell is in hospice care at The Lighthouse on Magnolia.
Deanne Cox suffered a minor stroke due to complications from dialysis. She is so grateful for everyone’s prayers and request prayers to be lifted up regarding big decisions on future treatment.
Patty Kelsey’s Mom, Uma Tokahuta, is undergoing cataract surgeries for both her eyes in October and December.
Our prayer chain-phone tree leader, Margaret Allen, has been moved to a elder care facility. We are so grateful for the many decades that she dedicated to the church, making calls to lift up hundreds of congregants in prayer.
2014 CHARGE CONFERENCE
So, what is the ‘Charge Conference’ all about?
The charge conference is the basic governing body of each United Methodist local church and must meet at least once per year. The charge conference directs the work of the church and gives general oversight to the church council, reviews and evaluates the mission and ministry of the church, sets salaries for the pastor and staff, elects the members of the church council, and recommends candidates for ordained ministry.
This year, we welcome our California Pacific District Superintendent for the North District, Rev. Dr. Cedrick Bridgeforth to our Church on Sunday, November 16th. Dr. Bridgeforth will take part in 10:30 worship and our luncheon and presentation in the Social Hall following.
We recognized our earthly saints on November 2, 2014
Genevieve “Jean” BurnsJanice Roberts Mulvaney
Fay Kapin
Reflections! Joey K. "Donald
Mark 10:2-16 contains two questions, one explicit, one implicit. Verses 2-12 have the Pharisees (in an effort to trick Jesus) asking pointedly about the lawfulness of divorce. In verses 13-16 the implied question is, do children belong in the worship setting?
Jesus’ response to the explicit question of whether divorce is lawful seems harsh. He answers with a question. What did Moses say? Those questioning Jesus knew the laws of Moses permitted divorce (for men only) and their intent was to trap Jesus into violating Mosaic Law. What Jesus did was raise the ante. In reminding his detractors that the binding nature of the love of God supersedes the law of Moses, he rendered their question moot.
It is unfortunate that in modern times rigid religious thinking uses this text to condemn divorce under any circumstances. The difficulty with this thinking is twofold. First, it forgets that under Mosaic Law polygamy was practiced until the year one thousand. Secondly, it renders Jesus dead of thought and irrelevant to the concerns of modern humanity.
To the implied question of a child’s appropriate place during worship, Jesus was direct. Children belong in God’s house. The gifts they are, and the trust in which they are held in the faith community are significant. He suggests we might learn from their winsomeness how to be more spiritual and even how to enter the realm of God. The message throughout this text is one woven into the way Jesus lived. It is one which states relationships are important, especially the relationship between creator and creature. We each find our center and become most effective in terms of faith as we treat others as children of the Holy.
If the childlike behavior of our young ones is something worth copying, then perhaps the childish behavior of their adult counterparts is worth modifying if not changing altogether. If, however, you disagree I do believe I shall pout.
Reflections are part of the weekly bulletin inserts for worship. This writing is originally from October 5, 1997. Norma Villee’s message, “Two Easy Question, Two Tough Answers” was based on Mark 10:2-16
OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORSHIP
November 2 Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost. All Saints Day. White or Red. Josh. 3:7-17, Ps. 107:1-7, 33-37 (UMH 830); 1 Thes. 2:9-13; Matt. 23:1-12
November 9 Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost. Organ and Tissue Donor Sunday. International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Green. Extended Advent Begins. Purple or Blue. Josh. 24:1-3a, 14-25; Ps. 78:1-7 (UMH 799); 1 Thes. 4:13-18; Matt. 25:1-13
November 16 Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost. Green. Extended Advent. Purple or Blue. Jud. 4:1-7; Ps. 123 or 76 (UMH 797); 1 Thes. 5:1-11; Matt. 25:14-30
November 23 Christ the King. White or Gold. Extended Advent. Purple or Blue. Ez. 34:11-16, 20-24; Ps. 100 (UMH 821); Eph. 1:15-23; Matt. 25:31-46
November 30 First Sunday of Advent. United Methodist Student Day. Purple or Blue. Isa. 64:1-9; Ps. 80:1-7, 17-19 (UMH 801); 1 Cor. 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37
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 3rd Sunday at 10:30 AM Worship Service
Communion will be celebrated on November 2nd at 8:15 AM and 10:30 AM Worship Services
8:15 AM Worship Services in Boyer Chapel November 2 - Norman Kelsey November 9 - Sandra Smith November 16 - Pastor Joey
Please have your articles for the Good News to the church office by November 17th for the December publication or email them to [email protected]
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
November 23 - Sandra Smith November 30 - Sandra Smith
