good news august 2015
TRANSCRIPT
First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood
GOOD NEWSe-mail: [email protected]
AUGUST 2015facebook.com/nohofumc1www.nohofumc.com
IN THIS ISSUE:
• Discovery Arts
• Welcome Our New D.S.
• Outdoor Movie Night
• Hawaiian Night
• UMCOR ERT
GOOD NEWS is published monthly by First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood, California 91601Phone (818) 763-8231
Minerva CarcañoBishop
Rev. James Powell District Superintendent
Dr. Joey K. McDonaldPastor
CongregationMinisters
Jeff ThomasDirector of Music
Roger EshlemanOrganist
Nylean RapinacAdministrator
Patty KelseyDirector, Program Ministries
Jessica RenslowDirector, Outreach Ministries
Your Friend and Pastor,Joey
A NOTE FROM PASTOR JOEY
The text of Luke 12:13-21 is a tough one for those of us living in the twenty-first century, as followers of Jesus. For the most part we live within a capitalistic system and are part of a consumer based economy. This translates into an implicit message that it is essential that we manufacture, sell, and buy stuff. There is a part of our economy that tracks the sale of durable goods. These are large items like cars, refrigerators and televisions. The point of keeping records of such sales is they are chief indicators of how the economy is doing. Meaning that when people are nervous about the economy they do not buy, and that is what manufacturers want us to do.
What this has to do with Luke is essential to understanding who we are as people of faith with regard to how we treat material wealth. A man comes and demands Jesus tell his brother to divide the family inheritance. Jesus responds that he is not an arbitrator or a judge. Then in Luke’s words Jesus does two things. First he warns against the practice of spiritual poverty in the face of great wealth. Then he tells a parable about a man who became so productive that he had too much. So he demolished his old barns to build bigger ones. In his contentment he said, “Soul you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” According to the parable God called him a fool and demanded his life that very night. Whether literal or symbolic the image is powerful.
If we think Jesus is anti wealth we miss the point. For Jesus speaks more about money than anything else according to what the Gospels record. For Jesus, material wealth is a gift and with it comes a tremendous responsibility. Greed and hoarding are not part of the package. While it is nice to have money the true source of wealth is spiritual. What I know about stewardship I learned at home. My parents were generous people, to their children and to their grandchildren especially. Having said that, their finances moved first to their pledge then to other obligations before spoiling the offspring with extravagance. As an adult, I asked my mother about this practice and she said simply, “We first must remember the true source of goodness in our lives and give to God what belongs to God.” To her this meant a tithe. Then he said, “Besides Joey there are no pocket books in caskets so why not be generous?” Now if you will excuse me I hear my wallet, or is it my conscience calling me to count my stuff.
COME AND WORSHIPThe following Bible passages will be the basis for the 10:30 messages in August.
Please take time each week to read the selected passages.
August 2 A Hangry Christian Ephesians 4:1-16
August 9 You Talkin’ To Me? Ephesians 4:25-5:2
August 16 To Wise Up Proverbs 9:1-6
August 23 Who Are You Wearing? Ephesians 6:10-20
August 30 The Poetry Of Faith Song of Solomon 2:8-13
HIGHLIGHTS OF WORSHIP
July 5 - Today, we welcomed back Pastor Joey for his 26th year! Myriel Tyree presented Pastor Joey with a card and gift on behalf of the Staff Parish Relations Committee. The Methodist Men’s Chorus sang a Patriotic Medley in honor of Independence Sunday. Norman and Phillip led the monthly announcements. Pastor Joey’s sermon was titled, “Stricken Yet Blessed,” based on 2 Corinthians 12:2-10
July 12 - Patty Kelsey share a moment with the children regarding obedience by introducing the kids to “Lil‘ Baby Ketchup,” who lived in a water bottle and was very obedient to commands. Pastor Joey’s message, “Serving Up What?” was based on Mark 6:14-29.
July 20 - Patty Kelsey led a moment with the children this morning about looking at things through God’s perspective while the kids looked at the back side of embroidery. Norman Kelsey sat in the pulpit for Pastor Joey today, sharing a message on Ephesians 2:11-22, titled, “Belief & Belonging.”
July 27 - This morning’s worship service, we enjoyed special music by Libeck Kadu, who sang, “I Surrender All,” in honor of her and Shaun’s one year wedding anniversary. Pastor Joey shared a message called “Does God Have Your Email?” that was based on Ephesians 3:14-21.
Our crepe myrtle trees have been showing off this week. The patio is
bursting with vibrant pink blossoms!
We ended July with an Evening of Awe & Wonder on our patio.
A relaxing and beautiful event took place underneath our trees as we
enjoyed spoken word from Lisa Cheby & Rhonda Scott; a capella
performances from Libeck Kadu-Vieten; acoustic guitar was played by both Shaun Vieten & Norman Kelsey. Shaun sang Bruce Springsteen & The White Stripes; Norman Kelsey shared
two original pieces.
Friday, August 21st7:00 PM Dinner
8:00 PM Outdoor MovieMeet in front of the Lounge
Come celebrate the 30th Anniversary an iconic 80s comedy that launched
many careers and Hollywood franchises.
Pizza, Punch & Popcorn!
*Bring blankets, beach chairs or bean bags!(chairs provided for those who cannot sit on the ground).
Outdoor
Sunset SocialWednesday, August 26th
DINNER6:30 - 8:30 PM on the PatioHAWAIIAN NIGHT
Dress in your tropical duds!
Join us for food, fellowship and fun!
What’s Happening in August? Mission Focus for the Month - Discovery Arts Bedside Adventure Kits!
Please bring art supplies to church the first 4 Sundays this month! Kits assembled on the 30th!
Monday, August 17th - Tabitha Fellowship meets in the Hand in Hand room at 10:30 AM.
Sunday, August 9th - Mission Sunday! Bring non-perishable foods for the Food Pantry. Peanut Butter and Tuna requested.
Wednesday, August 12thPerseid Meteor Shower Field TripCheck in with Doug Eboch if you are
interested in joining.
Tuesday, August 11th7:30 PMLounge
Food, fellowship & devotion.All men in the church are welcome.
&UM Dodger Night
Friday, August 14th7:10 PM
Tickets approximately: $15-$23 Fireworks Follow the Game!
Tuesday, August 11th - Methodist Men meet at 7:00 PM in the Lounge. Food, fellowship, devotion.
Wednesday, August 26th - United Methodist Women Boutique Workshop meet in the community room at 9:30 AM.
Wednesday, August 19th10:00 AM
Meet in South Lot to carpool
The United Methodist Women will take a trip to the Methodist
Hospital in ArcadiaProgram by:
Rev. Brenda Simmons, Director of Spiritual Care.
Lunch Provided
RSVP with Kathi Ellis818-761-2436
Wednesday, August 19th - Ruth Circle meets at 6:30 PM at the Tyree’s for a potluck. Tell Myriel what you are planning on bringing!
Wednesday, August 26th - Sunset Social - Hawaiian Night! Wear your tropical duds and join us on our Patio for a lovely night of Hawaiian music and food. 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM. RSVP with the office.
Thursday, August 20th - PB & J Project! Meet at 7:00 PM in the Lounge. Making 150 sandwiches for the homeless.
Wednesday, August 12th - United Methodist Women Field Trip to Methodist Hospital in Arcadia. (See details below)
Friday, August 21st - Outdoor Movie Night! Meet in the Lounge at 7pm for Pizza, popcorn and a 8pm Movie under the stars! (See flyer for details)
Sunday, August 30th - Bedside Adventure Kits Assembly Day! Make an art kit for hospitalized children. In front of the Lounge following worship.
Saturday, August 29th - Adventure Kit Prep Day and Box Decorating Party! Meet in the Lounge. 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM. Light lunch served.
METEOR WATCH
Sunday, August 9th - cicLAvia Culver City To Venice Event. Following worship. Join Charles Minetree on bike, on foot, or any means of manual transport. See article with details.
BEDSIDE ADVENTURE KITSBy Patty Kelsey
Your Missions Team is supporting Discovery Arts for the fourth year by making
Bedside Adventure Kits!
Discovery Arts brings music, dance, art and drama to children with cancer, serious blood
disorders and life threatening illness while they are receiving treatment.
We will be making 75 boxes filled to the brim with art supplies!
SUPPLIES WISH LIST(* - means they are in need of this item)
*Safety Scissors *Crayons
*Elmer’s Glue (bottles & sticks)Paint Brushes
Crayola Paint PalettesMarkers (8 ct.)Coloring Books
Construction PaperPlay-doh
Card GamesMini Art Projects
Assorted Stick-on items:Pipe Cleaners, Wood, Foam, Fuzzy balls, googly eyes, sparkles, sequins, beads, buttons, feathers.
Bring art supplies on August 2, 9, 16, 23 Drop them off on the table next to Boyer Chapel.
We will assemble kits on Sunday, August 30th Thank you for your support!
Alyssa with a Bedside Adventure Kit!
HELP US PREP & DECORATE
Our Mission focus for August is Discovery Arts and their Bedside Adventure kits!
We are in need of helpers to organize and prepare for our Kit Assembly Day. All of our donated art
supplies need to be sorted and individually package and 75 boxes need to be assembled and decorated.
Please make time to join us in the lounge on:
Saturday, August 29th11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
LoungeLight Lunch Served
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Wednesday, August 19th1:30 - 3:30 PM
Mattel at UCLA1 volunteer needed
Thursdays Each Month1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Jonathan Jacques Cancer Center at Millers Long Beach
Up to 4 Volunteers per visit
A NEW BOOK IN THE CHURCH LIBRARYBy Lynn Yoshizumi, Church Librarian
I just visited Almaty, Kazakhstan. I didn’t actually go there myself; instead I read Patricia Vail’s book “Letters From Between The Humps” about her adventures and misadventures in this Central Asian country that was the 2nd largest of the republics in the former Soviet Union.
Norman Kelsey’s mother had retired from an almost 20-year career as a lawyer for CSX (the railroad) when she volunteered for a program of the American Bar Association for lawyers overseas that sounded something like “Peace Corps for Lawyers.” She worked as a volunteer for CEELI (Central and Eastern European Law Initiative) from August 1996 through March 1997, working alongside the legal community of the new democracy in Kazakhstan. Twenty years after the fact, she compiled the fascinating story of her life in Almaty from the boxes of journals, letters and emails that she generated during that period. Pat headed the office whose main programs involved assistance to the Supreme Court, Parliament, and the country’s lawyers. It gave her the opportunity to experience a region changing economically as well as politically after the break-up of the Soviet Union. She made the most of those 8 months, making new friends, learning to shop at the bazaar, eating Kazakh foods, learning Russian, and living in an area where water, heat and telephone service could be sketchy. Pat Vail autographed and donated a copy of her book to the church library. At the beginning of August, the book may be found on the piano in the Lounge. It is hoped that it doesn’t spend much time there and is checked out and returned numerous times. Later it will be filed according to the Dewey Decimal System in section 958 which is the last section to the right on the north wall of the Lounge. If you check it out, please be sure to remove the card from the front pocket, sign it and put it in the box to the left of the computer.
Sunday, August 9th9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Charles Minetree is inviting folks to join him at this wonderful event following worship.
Culver City Meets Venice
CicLAvia is miles of car-free streets filled with art, performances, music and interactive activities to entertain and engage participants of all ages.The event occurs multiple times throughout the year
in various locations throughout Southern California. For more information,
visit www.ciclavia.org.
-The route will be six miles!-It’s FREE!
-It’s not a race and you don’t need a bike!-No beginning or end! Start anywhere!
Metrolink supports CicLAvia by adding Bike Cars on select trains.
ERT DEPLOYMENT...LIKE A WELL OILED MACHINEBy Laurel Moore (edited by Ken Ellis)
Photos courtesy of THE Team
On July 11, four members of Red Mountain UMC (John Groenenboom, Walt Cramp, and John and Laurel Moore) joined three other Early Response Team (ERT) members from California (Ken Ellis North Hollywood 1st and Linda Hall Ontario 1st) and Fountain Hills, AZ (Larry Spade); for deploy to Kingston, Oklahoma. PURPOSE - mitigating damage from the recent Texas floods. The team bonded quickly, sleeping in a Baptist Church, cooking in a Methodist Church, showering in a high school gym, but it all worked like a well oiled machine! The team spent the week working on two damaged houses.
The first house was owned by a 77-year-old widow who continues to work every day at Walmart. The flooding had left her walls and kitchen cupboards sodden and moldy. We removed wall board and flooring, then removed, scrubbed, and sanitized the kitchen cabinets.
This area south east of Ardmore near the Texas border endured flash-floods twice in a three week period. Another 10 inches of rain was dumped in just hours several days before we arrived. Speaking of WEATHER...we had heat advisories each day with indices of 105-109 degrees. Lots of water, stay out of the sun and move slooooow.
Our second house had been inundated with 5 ft. of water flowing around and through it and had been reachable only by boat for several days after the flood. There we undertook the daunting task of dismantling the interior of the entire house “all the way to the studs.” All appliances, fixtures, floors, walls, and insulation had to be removed to stop the relentless incursion of mold and bacteria. The ERT workers were grateful for the opportunity to serve in Oklahoma, and we ask for continued prayers for the victims of this and other disasters who have lost so much and are still struggling with rebuilding and recovery.
ERT members are trained and then certified by UMCOR. Not “1st responders” nor are they recovery, rebuild, or repair teams. Under specific guidelines, ERTs assist survivors by preventing further damage while providing a caring Christian presence.
If you are interested in learning more about ERTs or other ways to provide a disaster response contact:Ken Ellis - [email protected] or Judy Lewis, Cal-Pac UMVIM/Disaster Response Coordinator
From left to right: Linda Hall, John Groenboom, Walt Cramp, Ken Ellis, Larry Spade, Laurel Moore, and John Moore.
I am pleased to announce that I intend to appoint the Rev. James R. Powell as the next Superintendent of the North District of the California-Pacific Conference effective July 1, 2015.
Rev. Powell comes to this new appointment having served in faithful and exemplary ways as Director of Evangelism at Mt. Pisgah UMC (Atlanta, GA), as Senior Pastor of Imperial Beach United Methodist Church and most recently as the long-term Senior
Pastor of Palmdale United Methodist Church. He also served a season as Assistant Director of Camping and Outdoor Ministries in the California-Pacific Conference.
Rev. Powell earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from San Diego State University (San Diego, CA) and a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology (Atlanta, GA), as well as completing advanced studies in church leadership at Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX).
As we prepare to welcome Jim to our Cabinet I want to express profound gratitude to God for the servant leadership of the Rev. Dr. Cedrick Bridgeforth. Christ’s spirit within him and his many gifts have blessed us all. We know that God will continue to use him in amazing ways in his next appointment. Please join me in praying for these servants of God in this time of transition.
Peace, Bishop Minerva Carcano
We will be formally welcoming our New District Superintendent, Rev. James Powell, with a wonderful and spiritual worship service followed by light refreshments and fellowship time on:
Sat. Sept 12 at 2pm at Arroyo Grande 1st UMC
Sat, Sept 26 at 2pm at Thousand Oaks UMC
Sun, Sept 27 at 3pm at Santa Clarita UMC
You are invited to attend any of these special events and if your spirit is willing, please feel free to attend all three of them! We will all come together to celebrate Pastor Jim's faithful leadership in our district and especially thank God for our ministry together.
Blessings for the journey...
Mele Maka & JP Harris, North District Co-Lay Leaders andNorth District Superintendency Committee
The Wesley School Construction Project – Update Two Doug Eboch, Visioning Committee Chair
As you will certainly know if you’ve come to the church recently, the construction of the new Wesley School building is well under way. Here are a few questions you may be curious about: Q: Why has the center island in the south parking lot been torn out? Why is there a big hole there? A: As part of the permit process, the city requires installation of a cistern to capture rainwater. This cistern will be under the island, which will be replanted after it is installed. It is a water conservation improvement that will help the state weather droughts such as the one we are currently suffering through. Q: Why was the foliage torn out of the island at the entrance to the parking lot? A: As you may recall if you saw one of the project presentations, we are going to remove that island. This will make entrance to the parking lot easier and allow us to add needed parking spaces. The sign will be moved to the main lawn. Q: What will happen to all the trees that have been removed? A: Unfortunately it was impossible to move or save the trees. The wood from the two trees near the sports court will be used to construct a bench or two (depending on how much wood is recoverable). Something else you should be aware of: the school will eventually have to install a fire suppression system (sprinklers and alarms) throughout the church property to bring us up to code. This will improve safety for both the church and the school. Rest assured, installing the system in a way that is as visually unobtrusive as possible is our top priority. Preparation for this system will involve some water line work in the driveway from Tujunga to the north parking lot. There may be a brief time when that entryway will need to be closed. The church has its own construction manager to troubleshoot any logistical problems. Construction will naturally cause some inconveniences and we ask you to bear with us. If you encounter a construction related problem, please contact the church office or Doug Eboch, our point of contact with the construction team.
Volunteers to join the North Hollywood Food Pantry Transportation Team are needed on both Thursdays and Sundays. An individual can join an established team or a group of people from our congregation could form a new
team. In general, this would involve a time commitment of about 2 hours once a month - Thursday evening or Sunday.
Time to be arranged..
Anyone who is interested should contact Chris Wilkinson at [email protected] for more details.
August 5 Caitlin Thomas August 6 David ZungAugust 10 Bruce NeckelsAugust 12 Pauline LongAugust 14 Henry MottazAugust 15 Erin NeckelsAugust 17 Richard RocheAugust 19 Michael Acosta
August 23 Jason Books August 23 Abigail EllisAugust 24 Kealan SucherAugust 25 Lynn YoshizumiAugust 26 Erin KentAugust 26 David KirushimaAugust 26 Marijane SettlemyerAugust 28 Karen Griggs
Wishing you many blessings on your birthday!Love, Your Church Family
Sherri Perry was hit by a car on July 22nd. She had a fracture of her L5 vertebrae and is in extreme pain but can walk.
Deanne Cox has been self-administering peritoneal dialysis at home every evening. Deanne also had a bought of severe bronchitis and needs prayers for healing and strength.
Ed Zung recently moved and is still in need of continued prayers as he learns how to live day-to-day without his stomach.
Lisa Cheby requests prayers for, Gary Bennett, who has a benign tumor that is causing adverse affects on his health. Also for David Rojas’s Mother who has had a few small strokes.
Pastor Joey’s Brother, Tom, has been in palliative care hospice at home.
Joanie Weber has been undergoing radiation to treat Stage 1 Breast Cancer.
Jackie Casas’ Uncle, Jose Duran-Casas, passed away suddenly & her Aunt Guadalupe and their family are shocked and devastated.Anne Roche’s Brother, Rick Davis, is
recovering from treatment following surgery and radiation for his brain tumors.
Pattie Rogers’ cousin, Maxwell and Brother-in-law, Steve Rogers, both have prostate cancer.
Our new District Superintendent has sent us a request to pray weekly for all churches in our North District. Take a look at the prayer schedule and make a vow to pray with everyone in our district beginning August 2nd.
August 2 - Shandon & Paso Robles UMC, Pastor Ivelisse CastellanoAugust 9 - Atascadero UMC, Pastor Diane Rehfield & San Luis Obispo UMC, Pastor Rick Uhls
August 16 - Estero Bay UMC, Pastor Paula Hulet & Los Osos: Trinity UMC, Pastor Gilbert StonesAugust 23 - Arroyo Grande FUMC, Pastor Mary Birgelaitis & Santa Maria FUMC, Pastor Bob Isip
August 30 - Santa Maria Bethel Korean Mission, Pastor Kisung Nam & Santa Maria St. Andrew UMC, Pastor Gary Barbaree
Please pray: “Lord of all Creation,We pray for the faith communities that worship your Holy Name. We ask a blessing on these people who serve the needs of others and the needy in their communities. We pray for those who live around these churches who
do not know your love or grace. Come Holy Spirit and guide our steps in the ministry of our Savior. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen”
Reflections! Joey K. "Donald
Reflections are part of the weekly bulletin inserts for worship. This writing is originally from July 19, 2009 and Dr. McDonald’s sermon was titled “Does Jesus Twitter?” based on Ephesians 2:11-22
There is a saying that when we talk to God it is considered prayer, however, when we find God talking to us we are considered addled. I can say with some confidence that most mature people of faith have a few stories to tell around these issues. In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul is dealing with new believers who are receiving a great deal of spiritual information all at once, and not all of it from reliable sources.
Paul set out first to remind the community at Ephesus that they started out not knowing God, and it is only through the way of Jesus that their minds and hearts have been opened to another possible way to live. The phrasing he uses is almost poetic, “Remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise... but now you who were once far off have been brought near by his love. So then you are no longer strangers or aliens, but citizens along with the saints and also members of the household of God.” vv 11-12, 18-19
There was a great deal of consideration and argument over who belonged in the Christian community; on who was in and more importantly who was out. Determination of those belonging was at that time left to those who worshiped legalism wherein the many laws of Judaism were used as a matrix for the early followers of Jesus as the Christian tradition was emerging. Another common pattern in the early Church was for believers to attempt to carry their Native religious practices into the early Christian Church. Their validation was often said to come from the leading of the Spirit. In Ephesus Paul is dealing with such an issue. The people believed they understood the word of God and the way of Jesus better than Paul and the early Church leaders, and Paul seeks to set them straight. Because Paul has first hand experience with answered prayer along with an active understanding of what Holy dialogue sounds and feels like his hope is to get the good people to listen a bit more before they speak. To we who live in a time of instant text messaging, and know first hand the power of the blog, this can seem a bit humorous.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORSHIP
August 2 Tenth Sunday after Pentecost. Friendship Sunday. Green. 2 Sam. 12:26-23:13a or Exod. 16:2-4, 9-15; Ps. 51:1-12 or Ps. 78:23-29 (UMH 785); Eph. 4:1-16; John 6:24-35 August 9 Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost. Green. 2 Sam. 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 or 1 Kings 19:4-8; Ps.130 or Ps. 34:1-8 (UMH 848) Eph. 4:25-5:2; John 6:35, 41-51
August 16 Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost. Green. 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 or Prov. 9:1-6; Ps. 111 or Ps. 34:9-14 (UMH 832); Eph.5:15-20; John 6:51-58
August 23 Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Green. 1 Kings 8:(1,6,10-11), 22-30, 41-43 or Josh. 24:1-2a, 14-18; Ps. 84 or Ps. 34:15-22 (UMH 804); Eph. 6:10-20; John 6:56-69
August 30 Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Green. Song of Sol. 2:8-13 or Deut. 4:1-2, 6-9; Ps. 45:1-2, 6-9 or Ps. 15 or (UMH 795); James 1:17-27; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
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 Moment on 2nd & 3rd Sunday during 10:30 Worship
Communion will be served on Sunday, August 2nd
8:15 AM Worship Services in Boyer Chapel August 2 - Pastor Joey August 9 - Lisa Cheby August 16 - Patty Kelsey August 23 - Sandra Smith August 30 - Sandra Smith
Please have your articles for the Good News to the church office by August 17th for the September 2015 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