First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood

GOOD NEWSe-mail: nohofumc@pacbell.net

DECEMBER 2016facebook.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 91601Phone (818) 763-8231

Grant HagiyaBishop

Rev. Jim PowellDistrict Superintendent

Dr. Joey K. McDonaldPastor

CongregationMinisters

Jeff ThomasDirector of Music

Roger EshlemanOrganist

Nylean RapinacAdministrator

Patty KelseyDirector, Program Ministries

Tonya PeatDirector, Outreach Ministries

COME AND WORSHIPThe 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 WORSHIPNovember 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!

Thursday, December 24th7:00 PM

Features special music anda children’s message

9:30 PMFeatures 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 18thDuring 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

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 PMLounge

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 DecemberOur 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 PMWe 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 worshipLounge

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.

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

FRIDAYS4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

SATURDAYS10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

SUNDAYS 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM

HOW TO VOLUNTEER ON THE LOT1. In person on Sundays

2. Email Roger at reshleman@aol.com3. Online http://bit.ly/2fsrO1d

You can volunteer for the following:GREETERS

TREE HANDLERSCASHIERS

PROVIDE LUNCHES OR DINNERS

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?

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 YOSHIZUMILynn 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 strengthRESTRAIN 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!

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

Wishing you a birthday that is merry and bright!Love, Your Church Family

December 5 Anita McChesneyDecember 6 Helen WirthDecember 7 Ralph SeyboldDecember 10 Doug EbochDecember 11 Myriel TyreeDecember 17 Charlie CoxDecember 17 Cary NorenDecember 18 Jeff Thomas

December 19 Pastor JoeyDecember 20 Genelita AnchetaDecember 20 Clive MelvilleDecember 21 James St. JohnDecember 24 Tracey RadilloDecember 25 JesusDecember 31 Henri DobleDecember 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

ReflectionsDr. 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?”

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 SanctuaryChildren’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 PMCommunion 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 Hollywood4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA. 91601