First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood

GOOD NEWSe-mail: nohofumc@pacbell.net

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

IN THIS ISSUE:

• VBS Success...AGAIN!

• Urban Foundation

• Thank YOU

• SFV Rescue Mission

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

Phone (818) 763-8231

Minerva CarcañoBishop

Rev. Dr. Cedrick Bridgeforth District Superintendent

Dr. Joey K. McDonaldPastor

CongregationMinisters

Jeff ThomasDirector of Music

Roger EshlemanOrganist

Nylean RapinacAdministrator

Patty KelseyDirector, Program Ministries

Jessica RenslowDirector, Outreach Ministries

It has been said that an organization is only as strong as its weakest link.  In the business, this translates into an intentional attitude of training people so they have the right information to make the correct decisions.  In sports, especially team sports, this works only if individuals understand that their effort, no matter how perfect, is useless if it is not in concert with others.  In religion, whether personal or denominational, to be self centered is to miss the point of a life of faith.  In John 17:20-26, we find the end of what some scholars call the last will and testament of Jesus.  Jesus is speaking to the disciples though not as one dying, but rather as one living fully toward God.  He prays on behalf of the disciples and their work.  He prays beyond the present and into the future.  He prays for unbelievers who will come to faith because of the preaching of the disciples.

In John’s gospel, belief is always placed in relation to Jesus Christ.  To say we believe means we fully accept that faith has consequences, because we are called to live and act our beliefs.  The love which John hears from the lips of Jesus translates as Holy intent toward others.  When Jesus prays “that they all may be one,” his intent is not for the Catholics, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Methodists, or anyone else to get along in some grand interdenominational scheme; for denominations did not yet exist.  Rather, he is asking for an understanding by which his disciples will come to the pattern he has set in spiritual openness and alignment to the will of God.

Two thousand years later, religious institutions and anyone who takes the life and ministry of Jesus seriously needs to ask the same questions John’s text raised.  What does it mean to “be in Jesus?”  What does individual belief and corporate expression of faith look, feel and sound like?  What is the unity for which Jesus prays?   Is it a saccharin or soporific agreement, or a world view rooted in soulful compassion?  Finally what does it mean to love?  We use the word often referring to people, places, and things we love.  Yet this would not seem to fit what the Bible records of Jesus.  For the love of Jesus is outrageous, extravagant, selfless.  As a leader in a religious institution, and as a personal believer, the aforementioned questions cause me no small amount of anxiety.   I am ever so grateful John recorded this prayer of Jesus.  For therein lies our true strength.

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 July.

Please take time each week to read the selected passages.

July 6 A Spiritual Selfie Romans 7:15-25a

July 13 The Spiritual Mindset Romans 8:1-11

July 20

July 27 Family Matters Genesis 29:15-28

HIGHLIGHTS OF WORSHIP

June 1 - The first day of June brought us a worship service filled with joy! We recognized our Senior Class of 2014, Brandon Ancheta and Laurel Weber during service. Libeck Kadu blessed us with her beautiful voice, singing, “Christ In Me,” during special music. Norman Kelsey and Phillip Mottaz shared June events during a special announcement segment of worship. Pastor Joey shared a message on 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, titled, “On Spiritual Well Being.”

June 8 - Today was Pentecost and Choir Recognition Sunday. The Synchronicity Handbells performed “Shall We Gather At The River” for the congregation. We took a moment to recognize the Choir for their dedication and hard work during the year. Each choir member also received a custom mug with goodies inside. Lynne Hutton led the Cherub Choir in an adorable performance of “Jump For Joy!” Pastor Joey said a few words of gratitude about our Choir Director, Jeff Thomas, organist, Roger Eshleman, and Cherub Choir Director, Lynne Hutton. All three received a special card and token of our appreciation. Patty Kelsey shared a message on ‘What Is The Holy Spirit,’ with the kids. Pastor Joey’s sermon was based on Acts 2:1-21, titled, “A Birthday Celebration.”

June 15 - Today was Trinity Sunday and Father’s Day! Every Dad and male parishioner in attendance received a gift! A children’s message about the Holy Trinity, was shared by Patty Kelsey, using ingredients for salt dough (Flour, salt, & water.) Pastor Joey’s sermon was titled, “Five Last Things,” based on 2 Corinthians 13:11-13.

June 22 - On the second day of Pentecost, Pastor Joey shared a message on Romans 6:1b-11, titled “The Power To Change.”

June 29th - This morning we celebrated the Sacrament of Holy Baptism of Eleanor “Nora” Rose Kent. Florence La Rue of the Fifth Dimension sang, “The Prayer,” in honor of Baby Nora’s Baptism. Patty Kelsey recognized the volunteers that made Vacation Bible School a success. Then the kids from Blast Off - Vacation Bible School performed, “All That I Am,” for the congregation. Pastor Joey’s sermon, “The Theology of Hospitality,” based on Matthew 10:40-42. Following worship everyone put together care kits for the homeless in front of the lounge. Julie Shuford created a fun slide show that we watched during coffee fellowship.

Genesis 28:10-19aJacob’s GPS

Feel free to dress up and come ready to smile and enjoy Summer fun at NoHo

Mark Your Calendars!

Sunset SocialsFriday, July 25th

EVENING OF AWE & WONDER5:00 PM outdoors on the Patio

Friday, August 22ndDINNER

6:30 - 8:30 PM on the PatioHAWAIIAN THEME

Dress in your tropical duds!Music & Island Food

Outdoor

Saturday, July 19thGather outside the Lounge

7:00 PM - Dinner8:00 PM - Outdoor Movie

Empire Strikes Back

Pizza, Punch & Popcorn Provided!

*Bring blankets, beach chairs or bean bags!(chairs provided for those who cannot sit on the ground).

Hosted by Lisa Cheby

Join us for an evening of live poetry readings, music, and yogic chanting.

What’s Happening in July?

Friday, July 25th - Evening of Awe & Wonder. 5:00 PM on the Patio. Poetry, music, inspiration.

Monday, July 15th - Tabitha Fellowship meets in the Hand in Hand room.

Wednesday, July 9th - UMW All Church Fun Night! 7:00 PM in the Social Hall. (See details below)Sunday, July 13th- Mission Sunday! Bring non-perishable foods for the Food Pantry. Peanut Butter and Tuna requested. Please bring a few extra dollars for your offering!

Tuesday, July 8th - All Church Movie Night! 6:45 PM - Dinner & 7:15 PM - Movie. Lounge.

Sunday, July 6th - Methodist Men sing on Independence Sunday during 10:30 worship.

Wednesday, July 9thIn The Social Hall

7:00 PM

BINGO&

Ice Cream Bars

Sunday, July 27th9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Social Hall

Come enjoy breakfast between 8:15 and 10:30 worship services.

Planning MeetingTuesday, July 22nd

7:30 PMEshleman Home

Sunday, July 6thWelcome Back Pastor Joey & Sue McDonald!

SPRC will recognize Pastor Joey & Sue during 10:30 worship.

Saturday, July 19th - Outdoor Movie Night! Gather in front of the Lounge for Pizza, Popcorn and a Movie on a Summer Night! (See flyer for details)Tuesday, July 22nd - Methodist Men meet at the Eshleman Home. 7:30 PM.

CHURCH FUN NIGHTHosted by The UMW

Wednesday, July 23rd - United Methodist Women Boutique Workshop meet at the home of Kathi Ellis. 9:30 AM.

Tuesday, July 8th6:45 PM - Dinner7:15 PM - Movie

Lounge

BASKETBALLTuesdays & Thursday 6PM

Saturdays 9AMMeet on the Sports Court

Wednesday, July 16th - Ruth Circle meets at 7:30

Sunday, July 27th - Methodist Men Pancake Breakfast in the Social Hall. 9:00 AM. (see details below)

Sunday, July 13th - Urban Foundation Sunday Mission Moment in support of Kid City.

Thursday, July 17th - PB & J Project meets in the Social Hall at 7:00 PM.

A month after the devastating fire at the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission, Mission Director Wade Trimmer provided an update. A 90-bed “Home Again” shelter under construction in Northridge will eventually house the situational homeless families that come to the Rescue Mission.  In the meantime, families that need housing have to be referred to partnering shelters and housing programs.

The Thrift Stores are still open and providing great deals.  However, with the destruction of the main sorting warehouse and all of its contents, they lost thousands of donated items that would have been available for purchase.  The community has donated nearly half of what was lost but more help is needed to restock.  To shop, go to:

North Hollywood Super Thrift Store13422 Saticoy Street

(between Coldwater Canyon & Woodman Ave.)

Sun Valley Super Thrift Store9007 Lankershim Blvd (at San Fernando Road)

Reseda Super Thrift Store18344 Sherman Way

(at Darby – 2 blocks east of Reseda Blvd)

To donate, drop off your donations at the Sun Valley store or call 800-417-5678 to schedule a pick up.

The Rescue SOS program is back in service, providing hundreds of meals and showers each week to the chronically homeless.  Unfortunately, the fire took all of their food, including dry goods, frozen items and fresh produce.  These must be replaced immediately in order to continue to provide service to the community.  Most critically needed are canned goods, meat, and fresh produce.  Donations of those items and other non-perishables, grocery store gift cards and cash would be greatly appreciated.

How can the UMC engage young people and give them hope for the future?

On Sunday, July 13th, we welcome the Los Angeles United Methodist Urban Foundation and its Kid City Program to NOHOFUMC

and we will hear how Kid City youth are preparing to transform the world!

Anne Hawthorne, Executive Director, will visit both Sunday services with kids from Kid City to speak about the blessings of helping kids get into college and the obstacles they face on the

journey to graduation.

Kid City is a youth leadership, academic enrichment, college access and completion program in downtown Los Angeles. It has helped nearly 100 kids from low-income

families apply to college, most of whom will be the first in their families to graduate from

college. This fall, kids from the program will be attending UCLA, Berkeley, and Yale, among

many other great schools!

After kids get into college, Kid City connects them with resources on and near campus including United Methodist churches and

campus ministry, and helps students persist, all the way through graduation!

In honor of its 30th anniversary, the Urban Foundation is trying to raise $30,000 to

continue and expand its work with young people. Currently, they have raised $20,000 and

need $10,000 more to reach their goal.On Sunday, July 13th, we would like to request that you designate a special offering in support

of Kid City and the LA United Methodist Urban Foundation.

www.urbanfoundation.orgwww.kidcityhopeplace.org

THANK YOU TO OUR PHENOMENAL CONGREGATIONBy Lynn Yoshizumi

Your support has been amazing!  Your donations to the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission following the devastating fire totaled $1,620! Shortly after that $1,210 was collected and taken to Annual Conference for No More Malaria!

On Sunday, July 29th, 150 Care Kits for the Homeless were assembled, thanks to your generous donations of cash, toiletries, food and water. A special thank you to an anonymous donor for their large donation of fruit cups, proteins, granola bars, bottled water and baggies from Costco and to Kim Deason for the many completes pre-assembled toiletry kits she donated.  Also thanks to all of the Care Kit helpers who help with prep days: Lisa Cheby and Jodi Smith helped Patty Kelsey and me sort the various hygiene items that had been donated and assemble more toiletry kits.  On Sunday, June 29th following 8:15 worship, Muffett Brinkman, Lisa Cheby and Chuck Schafer helped Patty Kelsey set up the care kit assembly line outside of the Lounge.  After church it didn’t take long for those in attendance to assemble the kits. Patty is certainly an expert on assembly lines!

Judy Palmer advises that she has been receiving many more Box Tops and Labels for Education than ever before.  These help the Red Bird Mission in Beverly, KY.

Ralph Seybold reported that at the end of June he delivered 43 bags of non-perishable foods to Temple Beth Hillel for the North Hollywood Food Pantry. 

The response to the Peanut Butter and Jam Project has been excellent. Jodi Smith has helped every time except once when she was out of town and Chuck has been very dependable.  It has been nice getting to know Mila Cruz, who usually attends the 8:15 am service.  Kim Miller is turning into an excellent sandwich maker.  The donations of peanut butter and jam from Kathi Ellis, Roger Eshleman, Mila, and Chuck and several cash donations to fund the purchase of the bread are very much appreciated. And thanks to everyone who has helped make sandwiches.

We hope some new faces will join us on Thursday, July 17th at 7:00 PM in the Lounge. The more helpers, the faster we can make 150 sandwiches!

On behalf of the people locally and all over the world that you are helping, thank you so very much.

WELCOME PASTOR JOEY & SUE MCDONALD

Staff Parish Relations Committee would like to welcome back Dr. Joey K. McDonald to his 24th year at North

Hollywood First United Methodist Church!

SPRC will take a moment to recognize Pastor Joey on Sunday, July 6th, during 10:30 AM worship.

!ank Y" For Y"r Kindness & Generosity

BLAST OFF VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLBy Patty Kelsey

17TH ANNUAL ALL GM VEHICLE SHOW & SWAP MEET

Sponsored by the L.A. Chapter of the Buick Club of America

Sunday, July 13th 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Woodley Park, 6350 Woodley Avenue, Van Nuys

All years of Cadillac, Buick, Pontiac, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, LaSalle, Opel, Vaxhual, GMC & Chevrolet trucks, GM professional vehicles Modifieds & Customs. All kinds of GM Rods.

This show benefits the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry. A portion of the registration fee for each car will be donated to the Pantry.

The show is free but attendees are asked to donate food items such as:

Food in pop top cans are helpful……….No glass containers please

• Peanut Butter, Tuna, Proteins• Rice & Pasta• Canned Veggies, Fruits, Soup,

Beans

• Cereal• Baby Food & Diapers• Powdered Milk• Toiletries (Hygiene items)• Can Openers

I am pleased to report that our Vacation Bible School was a success for a second year in a row! Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, talents, gifts and prayers to this vital event. To those that signed on months in advance to lead stations and support in any way they could, thank you from the bottom of my heart. To the parents who signed up their children and got them to church, we thank you! To the sponsors who donated monetarily to our event, we thank you! We had so much fun taking our space rangers on a mission of God’s love! The kids learned that, “God loves us, so...LOVE EACH OTHER!”

Space Crew LeadersLynne Hutton - Music & More

Rachel Mottaz - Projects Jessie Renslow - Bible Stories

Coach Tim Lahr - Games

Space AssistantsDaniella Lake

Morenike LakeElvira (friend of the Lakes)

Jodi SmithRhonda Scott

Nylean RapinacWendy Ford

Muffett BrinkmanThank you to Pastor Joey for taking

part in the Mission Send Off !

Dearest Church Family and Wesley School Staff, Words cannot express to you my heartfelt appreciation for your many notes, cards and most  importantly your prayers for me. I am deeply humbled by the words of faith which I treasure in my heart each day.  God is working through each of you in bringing me peace and strength. I experienced a sudden onset of acute kidney failure in June from a rare auto-immune disease but my doctors are encouraging and there are options for me should the present treatments not be effective.  I look forward to seeing you all soon in worship.  Love you all, Deanne

Donna Moore and Isabella Day are moving to Virginia the

2nd week in July. Their last service was on June 29th.

“We will miss you all so much! Thank you for all your love and

prayers.” ~Donna & Bella

Welcome to:

Baby Jack Robert James CromerJune 30, 2014

12:01 AM7lbs 4oz 18 1/2” long

Great Grandmother, Betty Hogarth, is thrilled!

Congratulations to Laurel Weber & Brandon Ancheta

Many blessings on your journey towards a bright and successful future!

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

July 1 Alexander ParnellJuly 2 September SucherJuly 4 Betty HogarthJuly 5 Joyce CunninghamJuly 9 Heemanshu BhagatJuly 9 Byron HayesJuly 11 Howard KurushimaJuly 11 Jack TaylorJuly 12 Steven EllisJuly 12 Chris KoenigsaeckerJuly 12 Pam MuriedasJuly 13 Sage Doelitzsch

July 16 Holly MelvilleJuly 18 Francis NyaforhJuly 18 Ray SmithJuly 19 Andrew MerrillJuly 20 Fay KapinJuly 23 DeAnne HayesJuly 24 Helena WalleJuly 26 Wendy NeckelsJuly 28 Kevin EllisJuly 28 Roger EshlemanJuly 28 Gary SoltJuly 31 David Cox

Deanne Cox was diagnosed with an auto-immune condition that caused acute kidney failure. She has been undergoing treatments daily.

Rhonda Scott requests prayers for her dear friend RoseMarie Fontana and her husband, Chuck, as he enters the last stages of pancreatic cancer.

The Cunningham family need our prayers. Kathie, David, Shannon & Kelley. David and Kelley’s Dad, Stephen passed away only 2 weeks following his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. He passed last Friday, June 13th.

Nancy Gatchell is in hospice at The Lighthouse on Magnolia.

Are you or your loved ones in need of prayer(s)? You can send the church your prayer requests one of three ways: Call the church office at (818) 763-8231; Email us at nohofumc@pacbell.net or leave a written note in the prayer chapel.

Our newest member, Elena A., has been waiting for her appointment with immigration. Her hope is to file for religious asylum to stay in the US and worship freely.Gary Iseminger underwent pace maker surgery

on June 25th and is undergoing daily dialysis.

Reflections$ Joey K. %Donald

Reflections are part of the weekly bulletin inserts for worship. This writing was originally from May 5, 1996.Dr. McDonald’s sermon was titled “The Aim of Prayer” based on John 17:1-11

Comedian Mike MacDonald has a routine about growing up titled, “My house, my rules.”  With humor, he talks of how difficult it was growing up with his father’s rules.  Which included:  hang up your clothes, don’t leave wet towels on the floor, clean up after yourself in the kitchen, and of course, be in by midnight.  Dumb and unreasonable stuff from an old geezer says Mike.  Now when his father visits Mike tells him, here we throw our clothes on the floor, we don’t clean up after ourselves, and we stay out as late as we want.  When his father complains, he hitches his pants like his old man did and says, “My house, my rules.”

The writings of Paul, especially the letters to Rome, Corinth, Ephesus, and Galatia contain what scholars call householder rules.   In addition to theological instruction, these writings exhort believers to behavior consistent with faith.  From dietary rules to hospitality at home and worship, the writings are specific.  Faith, not Mosaic law, is the way of salvation.  Those who cannot support themselves are to be cared for.  Those who can work and do not, do not deserve to eat.  In effect the writings are saying, “God’s house, God’s rules.”

Wouldn’t it be interesting if each Sunday we entered our houses of worship with the understanding that while it may be our home, it is God’s house?  While Paul interpreted well for us in his letters, the original text was the presence and ministry of Jesus.  That edition is currently in print.   If anyone complains that we’re too loving, kind or hospitable, we simply hitch our trousers and say...

OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORSHIP

July 6 Fourth Sunday After Pentecost. Independence Sunday. Green. Gen. 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67; Ps. 45:10-17 or Ps. 72 or (UMH 795); Rom. 7:15-25a; Matt. 11:16-19, 25-30 July 13 Fifth Sunday After Pentecost. Green. Gen. 25:19-34; Ps. 119:105-112 or Ps. 25 or (UMH 756); Rom. 8:1-11; Matt. 13:1-9, 18-23

July 20 Sixth Sunday After Pentecost. Green. Gen. 28:10-19a; Ps. 139:1-12, 23-24 (UMH 854); Rom. 8:12-25; Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43

July 27 Seventh Sunday After Pentecost. Parents’ Day. Green. Gen. 29:15-28; Ps. 105:1-11, 45b (UMH 828); Rom. 8:26-39; Matt. 13:31-33, 44-52

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 Time every 2nd & 3rd Sunday at 10:30 worship.

Communion will be served on Sunday, July 6, 2014.

8:15 AM Worship Services in Boyer Chapel July 6- Pastor Joey July 13 - Norman Kelsey July 20 - Patty Kelsey July 27 - Sandra Smith

Please have your articles for the Good News to the church office by July 17th for the August 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