1. First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood
GOOD NEWS
e-mail: nohofumc@pacbell.net
DECEMBER 2014
facebook.com/nohofumc1 www.nohofumc.com
IN THIS ISSUE:
• Heifer Living Market
• Christmas Eve Worship
• Organ Concert & Carols
• Poinsettia Orders
• Children’s Pageant
A NOTE FROM PASTOR JOEY
Have you ever seen something that was there all along, but in some way you’ve just
witnessed it for the first time. This is a bit like what happened to the religious leaders in
Jerusalem when they went to see John the Baptist, as recorded in John. Though they
were well aware of the prophetic stories in Isaiah foretelling of a messenger to come
before the Messiah, either John or his message was not what they had in mind. When
they came upon him they asked who he was and he told them he was not the Messiah.
In Eugene Peterson’s translation of the Bible the story continues, they pressed him,
“Who, then? Elijah?” “I am not”. “The prophet?” “No.” Exasperated they said,
“Who then? We need an answer for those who sent us. Tell us something, anything
about yourself.” “I’m thunder in the desert. ‘Make the road straight for God!’ I’m
doing what the prophet Isaiah preached.”
Have you ever been in the desert during a thunder storm? Before the thunder comes a
great light. This shines nearly bright as day. It is both awesome and revealing. Here
John says that after the thunder he preaches, an even greater light will be revealed, but
implicit in the narrative is that the people need a certain level of patience. The Bible
story indicates this was not the case. To see something in a new light is the work of a
patient soul, this in large measure is what Advent is all about. Think of Advent as a
time of anticipation to be in deep thought considering all the facets of the powerful gift
we are given at Christmas. However, somewhere along the way, the prelude to the party
which Advent was intended to be has become an extension of Christmas. It seems we
throw out the Halloween pumpkins and immediately put up the Christmas lights. The
malls and radio stations seem to play nothing but Christmas music from Thanksgiving
on.
Early in my professional ministry (as opposed to the ministry we each are called as
believers) armed with the high powered theological education I had acquired, I worked
diligently to keep the seasons of Advent and Christmas clear and distinct within the
context of worship. Then I began to note what the Bible records as murmuring. That
bit of recreational griping which occurs when people are unhappy. On the second or
third Sunday when we had not yet sung a Christmas carol, a parishioner or two would
ask when this might happen. I would explain this was a separate season, sometimes
even write an article on the theology and rationale. Yet every year this same pattern
occurred. A beloved member faxed a list of favorite Christmas carols. This included
Away in a Manger to Jingle Bell Rock. It was at this point I consulted a higher power.
This is to say a more seasoned pastor. After listening to my story, my friend said the
following, “Joey we both went to the same graduate school and received the same
theological and liturgical training. What I have learned is that people want to sing
Christmas carols. So we sing them early and we sing them all. Remember there is
ample evidence Jesus was a Leo rather than a Sagittarian. Besides, the Advent and
Christmas seasons are the greatest in terms of giving, so why not sing every one and be
blest.” Who needs lightning or thunder when you have an old sage with a pen light
pointing the way from rigid interpretation to a loving understanding of what Advent
might actually be about? Your Friend and Pastor,
Joey
GOOD NEWS is published monthly by
First United Methodist Church of North
Hollywood, California 91601
Phone (818) 763-8231
Minerva Carcaño
Bishop
Rev. Dr. Cedrick Bridgeforth
District Superintendent
Dr. Joey K. McDonald
Pastor
Congregation
Ministers
Jeff Thomas
Director of Music
Roger Eshleman
Organist
Nylean Rapinac
Administrator
Patty Kelsey
Director, Program Ministries
Jessica Renslow
Director, Outreach Ministries

2. COME AND WORSHIP
The following Bible passages will be the basis for the messages in December.
Please take time each week to read the selected passages.
December 7 Finding Spiritual Direction Mark 1:1-8
December 14 In Words We Know
December 21 The God of Possibilities Luke 1:26-38
December 24 7:00 PM When Christmas Comes Luke 2:1-20
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
9:30 PM A Twenty-First Century Manger Luke 2:1-20
December 28 What Suits You
HIGHLIGHTS OF WORSHIP AND OUR PARISH
Isaiah 61:10-62:3
November 2nd - Today was All Saint’s Day. We remember the Saints of our church that we lost this
year; Genevieve “Jean” Burns, Janice Roberts Mulvaney, and Fay Kapin. Norman Kelsey sat in the
Pulpit for Pastor Joey this morning, delivering a message titled, “You’ll Never Make A Saint Of Me,”
based on 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13. Phillip & Rachel Mottaz shared the monthly announced with the
congregation in a Good Manners Theme!
November 9th - We celebrated Community Day! Our Church, The Wesley School, Evergreen
Music Conservatory, and Boy Scout Troop 18 joined in a special worship service. Everyone was asked
to donate hygiene items that will benefit the chronic homeless in the Valley. The Acosta Family graced
us a gorgeous performance. Worship was followed with a lovely reception in the Social Hall catered by
Chris Drapkin & her company 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 16th - On the Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost, we had a special performance of
“There’s A Song Of Love,” by our Cherub Choir led by Lynne Hutton. A Stewardship Moment was
shared by our Chair of Finance, Jim Tyree. Ken Ellis introduced our special guest in the Pulpit this
morning, our North District Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Cedrick Bridgeforth. Dr. Bridgeforth’s sermon
was titled, “Always Right,” which gave our congregation the opportunity to vocalize “AMEN!”
throughout the message. Following worship, everyone enjoyed lunch in the Social Hall, which was
transformed into Ol’ McDonald’s Farm for the Annual Charge Conference. Dr. Bridgeforth led the
meeting, which was well attended and successful. Many thanks to our Chair People for taking part and
to those that helped to set up, clean up and those who dressed up!
November 23rd - Rachel Mottaz shared information on the Heifer Project. Pastor Joey shared his
message on “A Sheperd’s Work,” based on Ezekial 34:11-16, 20-24.
November 30th - Today was a big day! The tree lot opened from Noon - 9PM! We set up our
assembly line to put together over 150 Care Kits For The Homeless during coffee fellowship. We also
witnessed the baptism of Evangeline Fetterman, Grand-Daughter of Nylean & Frank Rapinac. Pastor
Joey’s sermon was called, “Live Your Strength,” based on1 Corinthians 1:3-9.

3. Wednesday, December 24, 2014
7:00 PM
Features special music and
a children’s message
9:30 PM
Features special music, the Chancel Choir
and Communion is served
Each service concludes with a
candle lighting ceremony
Featuring Roger Eshleman
Saturday, December 13, 2014
7:00 PM
In the Main Sanctuary
Sing-a-long to cherished Christmas songs,
fellowship with our community.
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

4. What’s Happening in December?
December 1st - December 21st
Our 16th Annual Christmas Tree Lot is open for business!
Weekdays: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM Saturdays: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Sundays: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
We need tree handlers, greeters, cashiers, & dinner providers.
Sign up at church or online. (Check your weekly email update for link)
Sunday, December 14th - Holiday Festivities in
the Lounge! Join us following worship for
Christmas Cheer! Shop for gifts at the UMW
Holiday Boutique and maybe Santa will make an
appearance!
Sunday, December 7th - UMM host a chili
cook-off in front of the Lounge.
Sunday, December 21st - 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.
Sunday, December 14th- Sunday School
Children’s Christmas Pageant. During 10:30
Worship Service. Main Sanctuary.
Wednesday, 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.
December 14th
During Worship
Main Sanctuary
Sign your child up with our
Children’s Choir Director,
Lynne Hutton
Sign up now!
Wednesday, December 10th - UMW Holiday
Luncheon. $3 Donation. Lunch in Lo-Fe-Lo &
Holiday Program.
Saturday, December 13th- Organ Concert &
Christmas Carol sing-a-long, featuring Roger
Eshleman. 7 PM in the Main Sanctuary. Treats
following. All are welcome. Invite your neighbors!
Sunday, December 14th - Mission Sunday!
Bring cans of chili and tuna for the food pantry and
a few extra dollars for the blue mission envelopes.
Sunday,
December 14th
Following Worship
Come to our Pop-up
Shop in the Lounge!
Santa may make an
appearance!
Sunday,
December 7th
12:00 PM
Lounge
Sign up with Ed Webster
Winner takes home a beautiful
Christmas Tree from our lot!
Saturday, December 27th - Volunteers
needed! 9:00 AM. To take down the tree lot!
Meeting on Sunday, January 4th following worship.

5. Those readers who qualify for a Reading Program certificate need to turn their reports in to me by Sunday,
December 7, or at the UMW General Luncheon and Meeting on Wednesday, December 10, at the latest.
If you need a report form, I will have them with me whenever I am at church.
Remember, we won the district banner for reading the most books per UMW member for the last 2 years.
We hope to continue that winning streak! Level I readers need to check off that they read something from
the 11 issues of "response" magazine (Jul & Aug were combined). Level II, III and IV readers also have to
read articles from the 6 issues of "New World Outlook". Count articles from 2013 if the December
"response" and Nov/Dec "New World Outlook" aren't received in time.
By Margaret Dixon
The Finance Committee wishes to thank our
members and friends for their response to our
pledge drive theme of “The House That Jack
Built.” If you have not turned in your pledge
card, please do so now. We appreciate that you
realized the need for continued funding to keep
our extensive plant running. As well as such
regular expenses as staff salaries, insurance, and
utilities, there are unexpected repairs that must
be made. Let us continue to work together to
keep the First United Methodist Church of
North Hollywood moving on.
Over the past 12 years Operation Gratitude has
shipped 1,167,648 care packages to our active duty
military, veterans, new recruits, wounded warriors,
care providers and first responders. At this time there
are more than 150,000 American service members
deployed far from home and loved ones, most in
harm's way. All of our heroes need a reminder that
the American people are thinking of them and
appreciate their service.
A group from the church is going to participate in an
Operation Gratitude Assembly Day on Saturday,
December 13th, 9 am - 12 noon, at the California
Army National Guard, 17330 Victory Boulevard, Van
Nuys, at the corner of Victory & Louise. If you would
like to join us, please contact me at 818-764-8803 or
ryly63@att.net so that I can give you the Internet link
for online registration and arrange for carpools.
I will be taking with me the notes of appreciation that
members have written to the troops, scarves that have
been knitted for them and cartoons and puzzles that
will be added to the Care Packages. Please be sure
whatever you have for the troops is in the cartoons box
in the Lounge by Sunday, Dec. 7th.

6. PLANNING MEETING
Saturday, January 3, 2015
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Lounge
There will be a Mission Team meeting on Saturday, January 3rd, 10 am - 12 noon, in the Lounge. At this
time we will review the 2014 activities and make plans for 2015. Newcomers are always welcome to attend
Mission Team meetings, this one included. Perhaps you feel that the Lord is calling you to be more active
in mission projects, you have an idea of how we could improve upon our current projects, you have a new
activity that you feel we should undertake or you just want to spend time with some very nice people. Be
sure to put the date on your 2015 calendar since the meeting is on the 3rd day of the new year!
NEW HOPE OF THE VALLEY THRIFT STORE
In November Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission opened a Thrift Store in the heart of Canyon Country
at 19379 Soledad Canyon Road (at Whites Canyon), Santa Clarita, (661) 673-5951. It is open Monday-
Saturday 10 am to 9 pm and Sundays 10 am to 6 pm. This is in addition to the stores in Sun Valley (8165
San Fernando Road at Vineland, 818-392-0020) and Granada Hills (18167 Chatsworth Street,
818-363-2050).
David Faustina, general manager of Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission, says "Our mission is to attract
people and resources to assist the effort of meeting the needs of every hungry and homeless man, woman
and child in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys. Our Thrift Stores provide us with the sale
revenue to continue to provide life essential services to residents within our own community. As a
community-based local nonprofit, we seek donations of used clothing and household goods that we can
either sell in our store or use to provide for needy families."
To schedule a home pick-up of donated items, call 818-392-0020 or online at www.hopeofthevalley.org

7. THE CHRISTMAS TREE WITH A HEART
It’s that time of year again. It is Tree Lot time.
Did you know our Tree Lot has very special trees that
no other lot in the area has?
See there’s a tree that will provide a homeless person
with a care kit or homeless family with a hot meal.
Another that will provide a sick hospitalize kid with a
fun day of art.
And still another that will save a young girl from the
evils of slavery.
See our Trees are the Christmas Tree with the Heart,
and is how the Mission Team supports great
organizations like Hope of the Valley Rescue
Mission, Discovery Arts, International Justice
Missions, and many other great organizations.
Unfortunately the trees can’t sell and load themselves
onto cars. That is where we desperately need you.
Please visit www.nohofumc.com to sign up for a Tree
Lot shift because without you there is no Heart.
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority is
responsible for conducting a Point-in-Time
Count to determine how many homeless
neighbors there are in L.A. County on any given
night. This year it will be taken in the San
Fernando Valley on Thursday, January 29th,
starting at 8 pm. That night about 1,000
volunteers will be needed in the Valley.
You can make an important impact in the lives
of homeless men, women and children by
volunteering your time and service to help with
the 2015 Count. In order to make a difference in
the lives of homeless people, it is necessary to
know who they are and where they live. The
data gathered from this Count is the most
powerful tool nonprofits and local leadership
have to make a case for additional and
specialized resources. The count is secondary to
the goal of helping homeless persons find
permanent housing.
All volunteers will be fully trained and provided
with equipment and materials.
They work in groups of 2 or 3.
SCHEDULE
8:00 PM - Arrival & Training
9:00 PM - Begin Count
12 midnight - Finish Count
VOLUNTEER TODAY
Visit http://www.theycountwillyou.org/
to register and indicate your area preference.
For more information, contact
HomelessCount@LAHSA.org
THANK YOU!
We have enough
donations to make
more than our goal of
150 care kits for the
homeless!
We received a number
of donations including
large monetary ones
that will helped fulfill
the items we needed.

8. By Rachel Mottaz & The Sunday School Class
It’s that time of year again. It’s time for me to remind you that we, as a congregation, agree to raise a
certain amount of funds for Heifer International, but I’m actually referring to the time of year where
most people start getting that urge to help people in need. Most soup kitchens and food pantries get
record numbers of volunteers on Thanksgiving and those weeks between then and Christmas. And why
is that exactly? Is this the time of year when we are reminded that we are so very blessed and with those
blessings come a responsibility? As I continue, I want to put this bug in your ear: how can we do more?
A little background knowledge for those who may not know: Heifer takes our donations and provides
income-producing animals like goats, bees, chicks and cows. The animals go to resource poor families
working to improve their lives. You can honor a friend or loved one with a beautiful card that describes
the gift you bought in their honor. You empower an impoverished family not only with an animal, but
with the training for its care. That’s one of two key elements that I love about Heifer International.
They teach the receiving families how take care of these animals, to make sure they have the proper
nutrition and stay healthy. The family shares its knowledge and the animal’s first offspring with another
family. And the next. Heifer calls it Passing on the Gift. That’s the other element I love: sharing that
love, those blessings, passing on those gifts of animals and knowledge.
But again, let me ask you: how can we do more? Reverend Bridgeforth stood before us a couple of
weeks ago and pushed us to not just do what we think we ought to be doing and what we think is right,
but think about new ways on how we can do more. I know how much we have accomplished this year,
but sometimes we get too comfortable. I’ll be honest with you, I stole this Heifer International idea from
my mother in law years ago and I struggle with coming up with new ideas. I spent the last few weeks
preparing for this by ordering new buttons, stickers and pencils, and deciding how we can do new
ornaments with the Sunday School kids. Now don’t get me wrong, the new ornaments are super cute,
but how is that “doing more?”
Each one of us is an amazing, wonderful, thinking, creative creature with beautiful ideas. Don’t keep
those ideas to yourself this year and don’t wait for someone else to make those ideas happen. Share that
love.
Heifer is a wonderful opportunity for us to do a little something. I urge us all to try and figure out how
we can do a LOT of something.
So let me use this time to, yes, remind you that it’s that time of year for us to make our donations to
heifer and to beat our goal of $2000 into submission.
ANIMALS OFFERED:
Heifer - $500 or Share - $50 / Pig - $120 or Share - $10 / Llama - $150 or Share - $20
Water Buffalo - $250 or Share $25 / Tree Seedlings - $60 or Share - $10 / Trio of Rabbits - $60 or Share - $10
Goat - $120 or Share - $10 / Sheep - $120 or Share - $10 / Starter Flock of Chicks or Ducks or Geese - $20
Honeybees - $30

9. December 5 Anita McChesney
December 6 Helen Wirth
December 7 Ralph Seybold
December 10 Doug Eboch
December 11 Myriel Tyree
December 17 Charlie Cox
December 17 Cary Noren
December 18 Jeff Thomas
December 19 Pastor Joey
December 20 Genelita Ancheta
December 20 Clive Melville
December 21 James St. John
December 24 Tracey Radillo
December 25 Jesus
December 31 Henri Doble
December 31 Nancy Kien
Wishing you a birthday that is merry and bright!
Love, Your Church Family
Call the church office (818) 763-8231 or email
your request to nohofumc@pacbell.net
Did you see our newest face bringing the light
of Christ in to our service the last few weeks?
Please welcome Samantha Calvert,
daughter of Stephanie Griffin. Samantha was
so excited to have the opportunity to train as
an Acolyte! We are grateful for her exuberance
and for Stephanie and Samantha’s dedication.
• Deanne Cox suffered a mild stroke due to
complications of dialysis. Prayers to heal her
kidneys and for making important medical
decisions for future treatment.
• Logan Lester, Nephew of Jeff Thomas, needs
prayers for his health.
• Wendy Ford requests prayers of calm and peace
while going through her divorce.
• Minette Harris is still staying at Providence St.
Elizabeth Care Center.
• Edward Zung is still undergoing chemotherapy
but did come to an 8:15 worship servicer with his
wife on November 2nd and looked good!
• Nancy Gatchell is still in hospice at The
Lighthouse on Magnolia.
• Elena Ashton is waiting for her appointment with
immigration to obtain religious asylum.

10. Reflections
! Joey K. "Donald
In his first letter to the people of Thessalonica, Paul writes, “We thank God for and
always mention you in our prayers. Each time we pray, we tell God about your faith
and loving work and about your firm hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” CEV
(Contemporary English Version) Paul wrote to encourage and affirm the
Thessalonians. As a body of believers, it was important for them to remember the
work of God in their midst.
Today is Charge Conference Sunday. An important day in the life of any United
Methodist congregation. When we meet each year at charge conference, part of our
task is to accomplish the same thing Paul desired for the early Church. Be it Philippi,
Rome, or Galatia. Paul hoped the early churches would not let up or let go of their
mission focus. Those early believers worked at understanding, communicating,
worshiping, and working their faith. Our task today remains much the same. It is
important that we share plans and details with regard to our property, programs, and
personnel. The presentation of the budget and open reporting of our Church finances
are part of United Methodist polity and tradition. That we encourage as many people
to attend as possible is important as well. That the information is presented in an
entertaining and inviting manner is helpful.
However, through it all, our focus must be clear. We do not meet just to gather for a
party, and we do not report to simply give information. We meet because, as the Body
of Christ, we are a gathered community. We report because, as a body of believers, we
are accountable to each other. We celebrate, share, encourage, and empower to one
end. That the love of God might flourish. That the grace of Christ might be made
real for us and for others. The facts and figures we share in our Charge Conference
Report only have merit and import if they are written in the ink of grace upon a
parchment of hope, and bound with winsome will to share the goodness of God.
Otherwise, we are simple covering our backsides or whistling in the dark.
This writing was originally written on February 9, 1997 by Dr. McDonald for Charge Conference, with
District Superintendent, Brandon Cho preaching, “Working Together for Good,” based on Romans 8:28.

11. OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORSHIP
December 7 Second Sunday of Advent. Purple or Blue.
Isa. 40:1-11; Ps. 85:1-2, 8-13 or (UMH 806); 2 Pet. 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8
December 14 Third Sunday of Advent. Purple or Blue.
Isa. 61:1-4, 8-11; Ps. 126 or (UMH 847) or Luke 1:47-55; 1 Thess. 5:16-24;
John 1:6-8, 19-28
December 21 Fourth Sunday of Advent. Purple or Blue.
2 Sam. 7:1-11, 16; Luke 1:47-55 or (UMH 199) or Ps. 89:1-4, 19-26; Rom. 16:25-27;
Luke 1:26-38
December 24 Christmas Eve. White or Gold.
Isa. 9:2-7; Ps. 96 or (UMH 815); Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-20
December 28 First Sunday After Christmas. White.
Isa. 61:10-62:3; Ps. 148 or (UMH 861); Gal. 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40
Sunday Worship Services at 10:30 AM in the Main Sanctuary
Adult 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/Nursery
Children’s Message the 2nd Sunday of the month during 10:30 worship service.
Communion will be celebrated on December 7th at 8:15 AM and 10:30 AM worship services, and at
the 9:30 PM worship service, Wednesday, December 24th - Christmas Eve.
8:15 AM Worship Services in Boyer Chapel
December 7 - Pastor Joey December 14 - Norman Kelsey
December 21st - TBA December 30th - Sandra Smith
Please have your articles for the Good News to the church office by December 17th for the January 2015 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