Our Monthly News Letter is available.

1. First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood
GOOD NEWS
e-mail: nohofumc@gmail.com
March 2019
facebook.com/nohofumc1 www.nohofumc.org
IN THIS ISSUE:
• Easter Basket Mission
• Ash Wednesday Events
• Lenten Study
• Church Work Day
• Corazon de Vida
GOOD NEWS is published monthly by
First United Methodist Church of North
Hollywood, California 91601
Phone (818) 763-8231
Rev. Grant Hagiya
Bishop
Rev. Jim Powell
District Superintendent
Rev. Steve Peralta
Senior Pastor
Congregation
Ministers
Jeff Thomas
Director of Music
Roger Eshleman
Organist
Nylean Rapinac
Administrator
Patty Kelsey
Director, Program Ministries
Tonya Peat
Director, Outreach Ministries
Because I do not hope to turn again
Because I do not hope
Because I do not hope to turn
T.S. Eliot kicks off his poem Ash Wednesday with this three-line refrain.
The first line expresses the desire to turn away from the material world
toward God and devotion, but the second line carries the sense of
indecision and hesitation before the final resolve to dedicate one’s self to
walking the path of faith.
He gets this notion from his own conversion to Christianity and the Lenten
scripture found in Lamentations 5:21, “Turn us unto thee, O Lord, and we
shall be turned; renew our days of old.”
As we begin the Lenten season on March 6, I find these words helpful in
setting the tone for the season. For 40 days we will turn away from all that
ensnares us and keeps us from truly living the life of faith; and we will turn
to God and the call of Christ. We will take on disciplines of prayer, study,
and fasting in the hopes of experiencing the new life revealed in Christ’s
Resurrection.
We do this every year, but this season feels different. We begin with the
crushing disappointment and uncertain future which emerges from the
wreckage of the 2019 Special Session General Conference of the United
Methodist Church. We begin grieving, not just for our individual sinfulness,
but also for the brokenness of our church. I have never truly felt the call of
the ashes in the way I do today.
Because I do not hope to turn again
Let these words answer
For what is done, not be done again
May the judgement not be too heavy upon us
I cannot stress enough how important this Lenten season is to our local
church and to you. We invite you to be a part of the witness that even
though the 2019 General Conference moved to exclude; our congregation
will include every person who desires to seek after God and walk in the way
of Christ. All means all without exception. We will have opportunities to
worship serve, study, and pray together as we seek God’s direction in an
uncertain time.
Sister, mother
And spirit of the river, spirit of the sea,
Suffer me not to be separated
And let my cry come unto Thee.
•(all italicized text pulled from “Ash Wednesday” by T.S. Eliot {Collected
Poems 1909-1962 1963

2. LENTEN SERMON SERIES: THE JESUS WAY
Lent provides us an opportunity to prepare ourselves to follow the risen Christ again...we will literally walk
in the Jesus Way. Please join us and follow along with the scripture readings this month.
March 3 Christ Revealed Luke 9:28-36
March 6 (Ash Wednesday 7pm) From The Inside Out Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
March 10 Staying in Your Lane Luke 4:1-13
March 17 Keep Your Eyes on the Road Luke 13:31-35
March 24 Taking Time to Grow Luke 13:1-9
March 31 Joining The Party Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
HIGHLIGHTS OF WORSHIP
February 3 - We collected 168 cans of soup for the food pantry during our Souper Sunday collection
contest! Just shy of our 200 cans goal but we are so happy to donate these much needed items to the
pantry. Thank you to everyone who donated! Norman Kelsey shared a moment in Black History, a song by
Sly and the Family Stone, “Everyday People.” Pastor Steve’s sermon was the fourth in his God Friended
Me series titled, “Good News?” The sermon was based on Luke 4:21-30. The Good News is not always
seen as Good news...who is the Good News For? Who is called to proclaim it? Communion was also served
this morning. Norman Kelsey shared the announcements for February.
February 10 - Today was Scout Sunday and Mission Sunday. Many thanks to Dan Doggett and the
other scout leaders from Boy Scout Troop 18, and those who are part of other troops and dens. Troop 18
presented the colors and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you to Kathi Ellis for coordinating
coffee fellowship as Troop Liaison. Rachel Mottaz shared the Black History Moment this morning.
Reading a poem by Maya Angelou, “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me At All,” while showing art illustrations by
Jean-Michel Basquiat. Pastor Steve shared a moment with children based on Luke 5:1-11 and his sermon,
“Unexpected Request,” was also based on the same scripture. The call of God often comes in the routine
of our day to day lives.
February 17 - Today, Pastor Steve presented, Ashley Peat with her first Bible. Daniella Lake shared a
moment for Black History Month, by reading a poem by Langston Hughes. Dan Doggett accompanied
the choir on flute. Pastor Steve’s sermon was based on Luke 6:17-26, in his sermon titled, “Two Sides To
Every Call.” There are two sides to the Good News: blessings and woes.
February 24 - On the Seventh Sunday after the Pentecost, Sherri Perry lead the last Black History
Moment with the help of Sandra Benton, Libeck Kadu, & Shaun Vieten. They sang an amazing rendition
of “The Color Purple,” from the musical, A Color Purple. The presence of the Spirit was definitely
moving through us during this beautiful song. Pastor Steve concluded his sermon series, God Friended Me,
with his sermon titled, “Jesus’ Phone Tree,” based on Luke 6:27-38. The challenge of Christ hits us
individually and collectively. How does Jesus’ depiction of God square with ours? Does our proclamation
of God look & sound like Jesus’?

3. We are in need of the following items:
This year, our church family will be assembling 100 baskets!
We will collect items on the following Sundays: March 10, 17, 24, 31, & April 7
Please leave your donations on the table by Boyer Chapel.
Saturday, April 13th is Prep Day at 11:30 in the Lounge.
Palm Sunday, April 14th - Assembly Day
following coffee fellowship outside the Lounge.
Thank you for your support of this meaningful project! From Your Mission Team.
for homeless
and needy
children
We are collecting donations toward this year’s
Easter Basket Mission Project! All baskets will go
directly to Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission,
who will distribute to the children in their Women’s
Shelter and to children whose families receive
social services from the rescue.
Ken and Laurie Craft send gratitude for our
church and this mission project.
It is time to order your Easter Lilies!
A gorgeous Easter Lily cross is erected in the chancel of the
Sanctuary every year. The lovely plants are given in memory and in
honor of loved ones and are $10 per plant.
The plants may be taken home following the 10:30 am
worship service on Easter Sunday, April 21st
Your Name ______________________________________ Phone Number ________________________
Please Circle One:
(In Memory) or (In Honor) of _____________________________________________________________
(In Memory) or (In Honor) of _____________________________________________________________
(In Memory) or (In Honor) of _____________________________________________________________
Total Number of Lilies Ordered _________ @ $10.00 per plant Total Due ______________
Large Chocolate Bunnies
Wrapped Candies
Candy filled plastic eggs
6” tall Stuffed Animals
$1 Activity Packs from Michael’s
Small Toys
Cash donations to purchase items

4. What’s Happening in March?
Sunday, March 10th - Missions Sunday! Please
bring nonperishable proteins to donate to the Food
Pantry! (Tuna, Peanut Butter, Chili)
LENTEN STUDY SCHEDULE - Every Thursday in the Lounge
7:00 PM - Vespers & Soup Supper
7:30 PM Praying Like Jesus - Lenten Study
Thursday, March 7th - First Lenten Study
Class! 7:00 PM Soup Supper & Vespers. 7:30 PM
Praying Like Jesus Lenten Study in the Lounge.
Tuesday, March 26th - Ruth Circle meets in the
Community Room at 7:30 PM.
Monday, March 18th- Tabitha Circle Meets at
10:30 AM in the Hand in Hand Room.
Wednesday, March 13th - UMW General
Luncheon. Noon. Lo-Fe-Lo. $3. Includes lunch.
Saturday, March 23rd- Church Work Day! 9:00
AM - 3:00 PM. Meet in the Sanctuary.
Tuesday, March 19th - God Talk! Join Pastor
Steve at The District Pub on Lankershim at 8:00 PM.
Meets every Tuesday during Lent.
PB & J PROJECT
Thursday, March 21st
7:00 PM | Community Room
Help us make 150 sandwiches for
the homeless. Meet in the lounge.
Thursday, March 21st- PB & J Project meet in
the Community Room at 7:00 PM.
Wednesay, March 6th - ASHES ON THE RUN!
Drive or walk up in front of our church on Tujunga
Ave. from 7am - 9am & 1pm - 4pm.
Friday, March 22nd - Brunch Bunch at Aroma
Coffee & Tea. 11:00 AM. Please RSVP.
Wednesday, March 13th - UMW Executive
Board meeting in Lo-Fe-Lo 10 AM.
Saturday, March 23rd
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Main Sanctuary
Saturday, March 16th - St. Patrick’s Day
Game Night! 6:30 PM. Lounge.
Wednesday, March 6th - Ash Wednesday
Worship Service. 7:00PM. Boyer Chapel.
Tuesday, March 26th - God Talk! Join Pastor
Steve at The District Pub on Lankershim at 8:00 PM.
Meets every Tuesday during Lent.
March 6th
7:00pm - 8:00 PM
Boyer Chapel
Hymns, Special Music,
Imposition of Ashes,
Communion.
The Prayer Chapel will be open
for meditation & candle lighting
*Ashes will also be distributed during
the day, in front of the church:
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Please bring in donations for our Easter Baskets going to Hope of the Valley
Ashes
on the Run
Wednesday, March 6th
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
We get it! Life is busy and it’s not
easy to get your ash in church and
start your Lenten discipline.
Pastor Steve is taking his ash to the
street right on Tujunga Avenue in
front of the doors to NOHO FUMC!
You’re invited to stop by, walk by, or
drive by and get your ASH here at
NOHO FUMC!
ALL ARE WELCOME!
Sunday, March 31st - UMCOR SUNDAY! We
will be asking for a special offering with proceeds
going directly to UMCOR.

5. TUESDAY NIGHT GATHERING
By Pastor Steve
Have you longed for a place to discuss your
thoughts and questions about God, about
Religion, and about Faith? You know what I
mean: a safe place where people aren’t
threatened and there isn’t a need for a right
answer? A place where you can explore your
beliefs and your doubts alongside other
explorers?
If so, join Pastor Steve Tuesday nights at The
District Pub for open discussions about God,
Faith, and Life. Each evening will begin with a
conversation starter and we will see where that
takes us. Discussion begins March 19th at
8:00PM.
Topics:
March 19
Tell me all your Thoughts on God
March 26
God and the Human Condition
April 2
Faith and Community: Does one need the other
April 9
Does God have a Will?
April 16
TBD
PRAY LIKE JESUS
By Pastor Steve
Have you ever felt like you needed a heart
transplant? Have you ever wanted to think, live, and
love a little more like Jesus? Have you ever
wondered what made Jesus tick?
If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions,
then you need to join us for our new Lenten study,
“Praying Like Jesus.” The study is based on Scott
McKnight’s book, 40 Days Living the Jesus Creed.
(available online at www.amazon.com)
We know that Jesus faithfully practiced Judaism.
Judaism asked its adherent to pray regularly. In
particular, the Jewish faithful prayed two prayers:
The Kaddush and the Shema. In the New
Testament, we see Jesus taking these prayers and
making them his own: the Kaddush provides the
framework for The Lord’s Prayer while the Shema
forms the heart of Jesus’ understanding of faithful
living.
For the season of Lent, we will set aside seven weeks
to focus on our spiritual formation. Our Lenten
study will focus on the Shema and how praying it
every day can help us focus on what it means to love
God and what it means to love our neighbors. We
will start at 7:00 PM with soup and bread, and
begin our class discussion at 7:30 PM. (We will ask
for participants to sign up to bring soup, bread,
salad, beverages, and dessert each week).
CLASS SCHEDULE:
March 7 - The Jesus Creed
March 14 - The God of the Jesus Creed
March 21 - The Jesus Creed and Its Loves
March 28 - The Jesus Creed Becomes the
Sermon on the Mount
April 4 - The Early Christian Leaders Teach
the Jesus Creed
April 11 - The Jesus Creed Becomes the
Love Chapter
TUESDAYS
8:00 PM
5249
Lankershim Blvd.
NOHO ARTS
DISTRICT
91601

6. We will be playing board games and
enjoying Irish food! In honor of St. Patrick,
dress in your finest green and bring your
shillelagh so we can drive out any snakes we
find. All ages welcome – feel free to bring
your favorite board game or card game.
Saturday, March 16th
6:30 pm
In the Lounge
ALL HANDS ON DECK!
Saturday, March 23rd
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Meet in front of the Church Office
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
LENTEN WORK PARTY -
Our church buildings which were so lovingly constructed with the assistance of past generations
volunteering on Saturdays to lay the bricks are in need of some loving TLC from our current
generation of members. Some of our clogged overgrown rain gutters and cedar needle
blanketed roof tiles have contributed to the numerous leaks this winter. But...your trustees can’t
even get reliable leak repair estimates until the debris is cleared and the drains flowing. A work
party started the work last summer but got less than one fourth of the work accomplished . We
need a much larger volunteer crew to get the job completed.
A work party has been scheduled for Saturday March 23 from 9am to 3 pm. The main thrust of
this workday will be to clear the drains and roofs. We need all skills and abilities . Yes, some
people will be needed to climb ladders but we also need baggers and sweepers on the ground .
And in fact, some closet cleaning and polishing/dusting jobs
HELPERS NEEDED
April 20th
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
South Lot & Patio
Games, Activities,
Face Painting, Bounce House,
Cotton Candy,
Easter Egg Hunt &
Photo Spot!
Please sign up to help out at this
neighborhood event!
NOHO FUMC

7. I was surprised to see how happy these kids are despite the fact that they do not have parents to give them
love. I was also fascinated to see how happy these kids are despite the fact that they have minimal material
possessions.
My work with Corazon has allowed me to meet many wonderful people who share my commitment to help
the kids at the orphanage. Every year, I plan one to two private bus trips which allow us to visit the kids at the
orphanage. These bus trips allow participants to see the kids and connect with them. The day starts off with
the Los Angeles visitors playing with the Tijuana kids through a game of soccer or an arts and crafts project.
We continue the day by serving them pizza and treats. The kids at the orphanage then perform some
choreographed cultural dances for us. We end the day by touring their facility and greeting each other farewell
until our next visit. Please support me so that together we can help the kids at the orphanage by liking my
Facebook page at “Friends Helping Others” to keep up to date about future trips to the orphanage.
Every person can help in different ways. You can join us on a private bus trip, scheduled for Saturday, April
20th and costs $60 per person. We pick up in the Park & Ride lot in Studio City around 6am and drop you
back off the same day at 7:30pm. The trip serves as a means to bring awareness to the cause as well as a
fundraiser for the orphanages. The cost of the trip covers the bus fee as well as lunch for the day. These funds
are then matched through the support of a generous sponsor. To date we have raised over $20,000 for the
orphanages and we are not done yet. If you cannot join us on the trip, you can donate toiletries because they
are in short supply of them. You can also help by spreading the word about the amazing work of Corazon.
Please direct message me on Facebook at Friends Helping Other or email me at nyotnegparian@hotmail.com
if you would like to support in any capacity.
Please know that these trips are safe as we are guided by a local tour guide throughout our visit. Believe me
when I say that your first trip will not be your last.
My name is Nicholas Yotnegparian, former student at The Wesley School
and I have been involved with a non-profit organization called Corazon
De Vida. Corazon De Vida is an Orange County based organization that
helps support ten orphanages throughout Mexico.
The first goal of Corazon is to provide the basic necessities such as
shelter, utilities, and food. The other goal is to provide each child with an
education because they believe that education is the only way to break
the cycle.
Growing up, I have always felt very
blessed and I wanted to help kids that are
not as fortunate as me. Ultimately, I
chose to partner with Corazon because I
wanted to be able to visit the orphanages,
connect with the kids, and physically
experience the children’s home. Over the
past five years I have personally
connected with some of the kids and
seen many of the young kids grow up to
be teenagers. Visiting various orphanages
in Tijuana has been a life changing
experience.
I went to the orphanage to help the kids
but they ended up helping me far more
than I could have ever imagined.

8. Wishing you many blessings on your birthday!
Love, Your Church Family
• Tracy Ritter is still living with adenoid cancer for 5 1/2 years and was told she could survive up to ten
years with this type of cancer. She could use prayers of peace for herself and her three children.
• Miles Yoho, 2.5 years old, was having complications and was hospitalized for an inflamed digestive tract
and emotional outbursts from being in the hospital for so long and feeling unwell. Miles is seing a
specialist to help him with his emotional triggers.
• Mildred Doyel fell and broke her hip again.
• Kathi Ellis was discharged from Providence St. Joseph hospital and was admitted into Burbank Rehab.
She will be staying there for a long period of time. 1041 S. Main St. Burbank. Room 129. Bedside
phone (818) 303-8983.
• Nicole Mijares, 31, has entered hospice under her request. Prayers are requested for her mother as
Nicole is her only child.
• Jeff Thomas has been sick multiple times in the last few months. He traveled to Arkansas where he
discovered he has pneumonia and will be staying back home until he is cleared to fly back to LA.
• Bryant Tokahuta, 9 years old, is scheduled for surgery to potentially remove a bad kidney.
• The United Methodist Church. Following an emotional General Conference in Missouri.
Our homebound congregants: Joyce Cunningham, Margaret Dixon, Dottie Vick, Dorothy Tyler,,
Margaret Allen, Gladys Woodard, Bill Varney, & Kathi Ellis.
Please take a moment from your day to lift up the following friends. If you
have any prayer requests, please contact the church office at (818) 763-8231
or email pattyfumc@gmail.com. Should you request a Pastoral call or visit,
please also contact the church office to schedule a time with Pastor Steve.
March 1 Jerry Acosta
March 1 Willa Koenigsaecker
March 1 Desi Resinos
March 1 Barbara Roberts
March 2 JoAnn Parnell
March 3 Amy Schwartz
March 7 Ed Webster
March 8 Michael Kent
March 11 Zachary Thomas
March 12 Pat Sucher
March 13 Harold Koenigsaecker
March 17 JoAnn Roche
March 18 Sue McDonald
March 19 Bridget Remmington
March 20 John Kent
March 27 Jane Koss
March 28 Tim Coyle
March 28 Evangeline Fetterman
March 28 Anne Roche
March 29 Alycia Watts
March 30 Joan Becker
March 30 Daniel Cox
March 30 Eli Cox
March 30 Carrie Downs-Minetree
March 30 Deborah Moore

9. WORSHIP LECTIONARY & LITURGICAL COLORS
March 3 Eighth Sunday After the Epiphany. Transfiguration. White or Gold.
Exo. 34:19-35; Ps. 99 (UMH 819); 2 Cor. 3:12-4:2; Luke 9:28-36 (37-43)
March 6 Ash Wednesday. Purple.
Joel 2:1-2; Ps. 51:1-17 (UMH 785); 2 Cor. 5:20b-6:10; Matt. 6:1-6, 16-21
March 10 First Sunday in Lent. Purple.
Deut. 26:1-11; Ps. 91:1-2, 9-16 (UMH 810); Rom. 10:8b-13; Luke 4:1-13
March 17 Second Sunday in Lent. Purple.
Gen. 15:1-12, 17-18; Ps. 27 (UMH 766); Phill. 3:17-4:1; Luke 13:31-35
March 24 Third Sunday in Lent. Purple.
Isa. 55:1-9; Ps. 63:1-8 (UMH 766); 1 Cor. 10:1-13; Luke 13:1-9
March 31 Fourth Sunday in Lent. UMCOR SUNDAY. Purple.
Josh. 5:9-12; Ps. 32 (UMH 766); 2 Cor. 5:16-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Sunday Worship Services at 10:30 AM in the Main Sanctuary
Adult Sunday School meets every 2nd, 4th & 5th Sunday at 9:00 AM in Boyer Chapel
Children’s Sunday School meets at 10:00 AM in the Community Room/Nursery
Children’s Moment every Sunday of the month during 10:30 AM worship
Communion served on March 3rd at 10:30 AM Worship
8:15 AM Worship Services in Boyer Chapel
March 3 - Pastor Steve March 10 - Norman Kelsey
March 17 - Patty Kelsey March 24 & 31 - Sandra Smith
Lenten Study Schedule in Lounge - EVERY THURSDAY
7:00 PM Vespers (Prayer) & Soup Supper - Lounge | 7:30 PM - Lenten Study with Pastor Steve
Please have your articles for the Good News to the church office by March17th for the April 2019 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 Hollywood
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601