First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood

GOOD NEWSe-mail: nohofumc@pacbell.net

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

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Laity Sunday

• Stewardship & You

• Halloween Party

• Entertainers for Education Update

A NOTE FROM PASTOR JOEY

I was taught a very common children’s prayer as a child. “Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake. I pray the Lord my soul to take.” The prayer would continue with a series of God bless mom, dad, brother, sisters, dog, cat and any other elements a young mind could think to add. While modern spiritual formation tells us this probably is not the best prayer to teach a youngster, it was easily memorized and frequently taught. My favorite prayer was the grace before meals. “God is great, God is good, we thank thee for this daily food. By your hands we all are fed. We thank you for this daily bread. Amen”. The point for me was to say the prayer in one sentence with one breath in less than ten seconds if possible. At first these prayers formulaic, pedantic, over simplistic, or any number of critical thoughts which one may care to lift. However, at least someone took the time to teach them.

In my late teens as I was struggling with a call to ministry, (which I eventually answered in my mid-twenties) my mother asked me about my prayer life. I shared that it was much the same as she had taught me as a child. She shared that there was much more to prayer as an adult. More important still, she talked to me about her own prayer life and then helped me begin to form a more mature approach to prayer. When my mother prayed, she spoke directly to God as if she had immediate access. She prayed as one seeking advice and council. She was confident and trusting as if speaking to a friend. These were concepts I had not considered before. She made clear what she was asking for in prayer. Guidance from God for, her and her entire family, and a sense of protection, calm and care. Not things or possessions, but divine guardianship for family, community and country. She later told me of a time when we were moving from Dearborn, Michigan to Connecticut about praying for the sale of the family home and promising more than a tithe to the Church. I asked if it worked. She said before I prayed we had no offers, and afterward we had two. I asked if she gave the money to the Church and she said you know I did, I gave my word to God. When I suggested that this was a bit like asking for money, she was quick to say to the contrary. I wasn’t seeking material gain except for the purpose of caring for my family. When I asked about the donation she smiled and said I gave the money to the pastor, in cash. I said how do you know the money went to the Church? My mom laughed out loud and said, silly, my prayer was to give the money to God not a minister. In my heart that is what was done.

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

Dr. Joey K. McDonaldPastor

CongregationMinisters

Jeff ThomasDirector of Music

Roger EshlemanOrganist

Nylean RapinacAdministrator

Patty KelseyDirector, Program Ministries

Jessica RenslowDirector, Outreach Ministries

COME AND WORSHIP

The following Bible passages will be the basis for the messages in October.Please take time each week to read the selected passages.

October 5 Of Loss And Gain Philippians 3:4b-14

October 12 On Breaking Contracts Exodus 32:1-14

October 19 LAITY SUNDAY TBA

October 26 Blessed Not Entitled Deuteronomy 34:1-12

HIGHLIGHTS OF WORSHIP, PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES

August 31st - Norman and Phillip shared September Announcements in comic book fashion.

September 7th - This morning, we shared in the sacrament of communion. Heemanshu Bhagat assisted in the lectern.

September 14th - Today the Choir returned to the Chancel and we were blessed with the gift of their voices after a summer hiatus. Jim Tyree sat in the lectern this morning. It was Mission Sunday and we also had our Welcome To Church BBQ arranged by the Methodist Men following worship.

September 21st - This morning we welcomed Joanie Weber, officially as a member of our congregation.

Growing up at NoHo FUMC!

We found a precious pic of Ashley Peat & Luna Shepard, taken by Julie Shuford from Easter 2011.

A recent shot from Sunday,

September 14, 2014 on the right.

Friends Forever.

What’s Happening in October?

Sunday, October 5th - Laity Sunday Planning Meeting meets in the Hand in Hand Room following coffee fellowship. All are welcomed to join!

Tuesday, October 14th - All-Church Movie Night in the Lounge! Hosted by David Eshleman! 6:45 PM Dinner. 7:15 Movie. See details below.

Sunday, October 12th - Mission Sunday! Bring proteins (canned tuna, peanut butter) to church today!

Tuesday, October 28th - Methodist Men meet in the Lounge. 7:30 PM. Halloween gathering.

SATURDAY,OCTOBER 25th5:00 - 8:00 PMLounge Yard

Games, prizes, candy, food!

Invite your family, friends & neighbors to this fun evening.

Costumes encouraged but not required!

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14th

6:45 PM - Dinner 7:15 PM - Movie

Wednesday, October 8th - UMW General Luncheon in the Lo-Fe-Lo room at Noon. $3

Sunday, October 26th - KATHI ELLIS’ 70TH BIRTHDAY PARTY! 5:00 PM. RSVP!

Monday, October 20th - Tabitha Fellowship Meets in the Hand in Hand room at 10:30 AM.

LAITY SUNDAYSunday, October 19th

Worship will be planned and led by the laity. Luncheon hosted by Pastor Joey & Sue in the Social Hall! Come celebrate!

Monday, October 13th - Martha Circle meets at 11:00 AM. Hand in Hand Room.

Wednesday, October 15th - Ruth Circle Meets at 7:30 PM. Location TBA.

Thursday, October 23rd - PB&J Project meets at 7:00 PM in the Lounge! Help feed the homeless.

OCTOBER 19th

Today, our worship service will be lead by the Laity.

Pastor Joey and Sue, will be hosting and providing lunch following 10:30 AM worship.

Join us in the Social Hall for a wonderful time of

fellowship and celebration.

Friday, October 17th - Evergreen Conservatory Recital! 7:00 PM. Main Sanctuary.

Wednesday, October 22nd- UMW Boutique Workshop. 9:30 AM. Community Room.

Saturday, October 25th - Halloween Party! Lounge Yard. 5-8pm. Games, prizes, food & fun!

BASKETBALLTuesdays & Thursdays 6:30 PM

Saturdays 9:00 AMMeet on the Sports Court

IT'S COMING! 

THE ANNUAL HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE

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." 

You can help us have our best year yet by inviting your friends and neighbors to come.  Pick up a

post card or two at the Welcome Table to send to your acquaintances. 

Cooking on Monday, November 3rd, set-up is Friday, November 7th. If you would like to help,

see Myriel Tyree or Kathi Ellis.

ENTERTAINERS FOR EDUCATIONBy Lynn Yoshizumi

On Saturday, August 23, those attending the Entertainers for Education concert in the Social Hall were treated to the musical talents of Gary Solt, Shaun Vieten and Francis Nyaforh.  Our church is extremely fortunate to have these talented musicians in our congregation. Their willingness to perform in the fund-raiser for the Carolyn Miller School in Liberia is an added bonus.

Another added bonus was the table full of free refreshments. Where did they come from? M Café de Chaya provided 4 large bowls of salads and 6 trays of 3 different kinds of wraps. Thank you also to Mission Team members who provided desserts and fruit.

The Indiegogo fundraising site netted $599.28 and publicized the concert to increase attendance.  Combined contributions gave us a grand total of over $2,200.00. Exceeding the goal!

Because of the ebola crisis, schools in Liberia are shutdown at this time.  Therefore, delivery of the funds to the Carolyn Miller School will be delayed; the church will hold the funds pending further instructions.

A great big THANKS to all who helped with the concert, planning, staging and performing, as well

as to those who attended and donated. 

Once a year, on the 3rd Sunday in October, the laity are asked to lead worship. If you are interested in taking part in the many facets of

worship, we would love to include you!

Please join us on Sunday, October 5th, following coffee fellowship in the Hand in Hand Room.

If you are interested but cannot attend, contact the church office or our Lay Leader, Scott Shepard to sign up!PLANNING MEETING

This church has many stewards.  However, no one wants to talk about MONEY.  And since this is stewardship time and as a member of the Finance Committee, I want to stress that money is the key word here.  With it we pay the electric bill, the heating bill, the salaries, the maintenance people who clean, garden, fix and hammer broken things, all of the not very exciting things to talk about.

Pledges are important because it gives the stewards an idea of what is expected to cover all those expenses..   First United Methodist Churchgoers are very generous and this church does amazing things. 

As one of the "old timers" I enjoy this church because I was a lifelong steward of several Methodist churches in my time and now can be particularly happy to attend this church and find comfort in watching the young families and their children grow and provide that comfort to all of us.

No one is judging the amount of money a person gives.  All amounts are welcome and add up.  So don't be shy about pledging.  Every penny counts!!!!

And blessings to Pastor Joey who leads  the stewards.  We are all stewards.

By Joyce CunninghamWE ARE ALL STEWARDS

According to Webster's New World Dictionary a steward is a "person morally responsible for the careful use of money, time, talents, or other resources especially with respect to the    principles or needs of the group--STEWARDSHIP."

Important date change - for the month of October only, instead of PBJ Night being on the 3rd Thursday, it will be the 4th Thursday, October 23rd, to avoid a scheduling conflict with The Wesley School.

Speaking of peanut butter, I recently discovered that the 99 Cents Stores sell a 10 oz. jar of peanut butter for $.9999.  This is the size jar that the Pantry buys when not enough peanut butter is donated. Since $1.99 is the lowest price you see at regular grocery stores for the larger jars - 16.7 or 18 oz., the 99 Cents Store price is really a bargain. And you can help twice as many people!

And a final reminder - don't forget to register your Ralphs card to benefit the Food Pantry.  See me for the instructions and barcode.

This activity has been very gratifying and also lots of fun.  Almost every month someone new comes to help out.  In August Roger Eshleman and Ralph Seybold from The Methodist Men joined in and in September it was Kevin Edie.  Kathi Ellis has helped several times and Rebecca Forgione, Marie Deitz and Muffett Brinkman each came once.  Thank you to all the helpers and donors.

PB & J PROJECT

VOLUNTEER TRAINING SB1193 IMPLEMENTATION OUTREACH PROJECTBy Jodi Smith

On Saturday, September 20, Magnolia Park United Methodist Church hosted a Volunteer Training Class to implement the Senate Bill 1193, which was authored by Senator Steinberg and sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women and the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking.

This bill added Section 52.6 to the California Civil Code, which requires specified businesses and other establishments, as of April 1, 2013, to post a notice informing the public and victims of human trafficking of telephone hotline numbers to seek help or report unlawful human trafficking activity.

As this bill has not been enforced or implemented, a task force of organizational partners joined to create a project to raise awareness, and help encourage the specified businesses and other establishments to implement the law. The group is seeking volunteers to train in contacting, in person, specified businesses with printouts of the posters. The training gives detailed descriptions of human trafficking, the law, and volunteer protocols.

The task force organizational partners are: the National Council of Jewish Women/LA, the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking, T’ruah, Jewish Labor Committee Western Region, Oasis USA, and the law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. If you are interested in joining me on a team and for more information, see me on Sundays after church. There will be more training events in the future.

“Seek Justice and Rescue the Oppressed” Isaiah 1:17

Usually the months of August and September are slow times for Operation Gratitude but this year there have been many requests to send Operation Gratitude Care Packages to our Troops overseas and to New Recruits and Veterans here at home.  On August 23rd, volunteers assembled 7,062 packages that were immediately shipped to troops deployed in harm’s way.  When there was an urgent request on September 3rd to send an additional 2,200 packages as soon as possible, volunteers reacted within 48 hours and made packages for each and every hero.  Anita McChesney helped with both of those assemblies.  Saturday, September 20th, Muffett Brinkman, Pam Lippert and Chuck Schafer joined Anita, to help assemble an additional 7,000 packages to be sent overseas.

Assembly days are scheduled for 9 am – 4 pm on Sat, Oct 25, Sat, Nov 8, Sun, Nov 16 and Sat, Dec 13.  Even if you are not available to volunteer at the National Guard Armory, there are several very important ways that you can participate to ensure that Operation Gratitude will be able to send tens of thousands of additional packages by year-end.  You can:

• Write letters at home – stationery and hints are available in the Lounge• Clip comics and word & number puzzles to be included in the care packages – please put them in the

box in the Lounge• Make a handmade item such as a scarf, hat or paracord survival bracelet – directions on line• Donate a used vehicle or donate your old cell phone as you upgrade to a new one• Make a financial donation to help with shipping costs, which add up fast (each package costs us $15

to assemble and ship.)

October 4 Josh FettermanOctober 5 Nancy GatchellOctober 6 Muffett BrinkmanOctober 7 Cherry CoxOctober 11 Kathi EllisOctober 11 Judy PalmerOctober 12 Caesar AnchetaOctober 12Walter PrattOctober 15 Stacy ZungOctober 16 Sara NyaforhOctober 19 Jennifer Kurishima

October 20Maxine Charleston October 20 Anna Marie FinstadOctober 22 Josephine BooksOctober 25 Susan ThomasOctober 26 Nylean RapinacOctober 26 Hanna SackOctober 28 Elena AshtonOctober 28 Sandra FlemmingOctober 29 Kimberley DeasonOctober 29Margaret DoggettOctober 31Mary Lees

Minette Harris, is still at Providence St. Elizabeth Care Center. 10425 Magnolia Ave.

Brandon Ancheta has moved into his own apartment and will begin his college studies.

Pam Lippert was laid off on September 12th. Please also send information on any job

openings her way.

Deanne Cox was hospitalized for 5 days due to her white blood cell count.

Anne Fitzgerald, Sue McDonald’s Mother, had emergency abdominal surgery on

September 15th.

Tonya Peat is 20 weeks pregnant with their third daughter, who will be named, Annabelle.

Wendy Ford requests prayers of strength and peace as she goes through her divorce.

Did you spot Keith Edie in the latest Prius commercial? Congrats to Keith!

Reflections! Joey K. "Donald

The business of forgiveness is tricky at best.  For to forgive, one has to give up the resentment held toward another for hurt done.  Judgment on the other hand is quite easy.  It requires only the self-understanding of whom or what is wrong or right, followed by the exercise of jumping to a conclusion.

Each day judgments are made without investigation and information.   If you question the veracity of this statement, remember it the next time you are treated rudely by a sales clerk, or are cut off in traffic.  We judge people by how they dress, where they live, how well they speak, their net worth, in short the list is practically endless. Judgments are made of every person we encounter and all events we experience; at times without the understanding that we are being judged as we are forming our judgments.  Of course, judgment alone is not a bad thing.  Sound judgment allows us to sense danger, evaluate possible helps and hindrances and make choices for our lives.   Judgment which hurts is that based in fear and ignorance, one which places an unequal value of my view over yours, ours over theirs.

Songwriter Lindsay Buckingham wrote these words to a song titled, Oh Well, “Don’t ask about the shape I’m in, I can’t sing, I’m not pretty and my legs are thin.  But, don’t ask me what I think of you, I might not give the answer that you want me to.”  Pointed, more than profound, his words remind us of how we tend to operate far too often.

When Peter asked Jesus whether forgiving seven times was enough he, in fact, had exceeded the requirements of faith.  The norm for the day was three or four, so Peter’s suggestion was nearly twice the practiced religious response.   The response Jesus gave depending on translation is either seven times seventy, or seventy-seven.  In either case the direction Jesus gave is clear.  We are to act as ones who are loved, forgiven, and accepted.  When evaluating ourselves and others, err on the side of loving-kindness.  To do otherwise is to miss the mark.

Reflections are part of the weekly bulletin inserts for worship. This writing is originally from September 12, 1999. Dr. McDonald’s message was based on Matthew 18:21-35 and the sermon title was “Don’t Forgive Anybody.”

OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORSHIP

October 5 Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost. World Communion Sunday. Green. Exo. 17:1-7; Ps. 78:1-4, 12-16 or (UMH 799); Phill. 2:1-13; Matt. 21:23-32

October 12 Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost. Green. Exo. 32:1-14; Ps. 106:1-6, 19-23 or (UMH 829); Phill. 4:1-9; Matt. 22:1-14

October 19 Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost. Laity Sunday. Green. Exo. 33:12-23; Ps. 99 or (UMH 819); 1 Thess. 1:1-10; Matt. 22:15-22

October 26 Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost. Green. Deut. 34:1-12; Ps. 90:1-6, 13-17 or UMH 789; 1 Thess. 2:1-8; Matt. 22:34-46

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/NurseryTime with Children on the 2nd & 3rd Sundays during 10:30 AM worship

Communion will be celebrated on October 5th at 8:15 AM and 10:30 AM worship services

8:15 AM Worship Services in Boyer Chapel October 5 - Pastor Joey October 12 - Norman Kelsey

October 19 - Patty Kelsey October 26 - Sandra Smith

Please have your articles for the Good News to the church office by October 17th for the November 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