1. First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood
GOOD NEWS
e-mail: nohofumc@gmail.com
JULY 2023
facebook.com/nohofumc1 www.nohofumc.org
IN THIS ISSUE:
• Welcome Pastor Chamie
• Summer Events
• Raise the Roof Campaign
• June Pop-Up Fun Times
GOOD NEWS is published monthly by
First United Methodist Church of North
Hollywood, California 91601
Phone (818) 763-8231
Rev. Dottie Escobedo Frank
Bishop
Rev. Melissa Roux McKinnon
District Superintendent
Rev. Chamie Delkeskamp
Senior Pastor
Congregation
Ministers
Michael McKenzie
Director of Music
Roger Eshleman
Organist
Nylean Rapinac
Membership & Financial Secretary
Jesse Boone
Administrator
Patty Kelsey
Director, Program Ministries
Tonya Peat
Director, Digital & Social Media
Dear NOHO First UMC Family,
I am so excited to be a part of this beautiful community of faith. My children
helped me move into my new office during the last weekend of June (my Lutheran
pastor husband was busy doing a funeral and three worship services, so couldn’t
help). On the last Monday of June, I got to spend the day with the staff which was
a true delight. I already love this place!
My focus for July is to meet all of you. I hope to have as many conversations as
possible. Real talk. I want to know about YOU. What brings you joy? What brings
you angst? How did you become a part of the NOHO family? What hopes and
dreams do you have for the church community? What things do you think should
stay the same? What things do you think should perhaps change? What are you
looking for in your pastor? How can I pray for you and support you on your
journey of faith?
So let’s get to know each other! Stick around after worship on a Sunday so we can
chat. Or come chat over ice cream at our sunset social on Wed, July 19. Or come
chat about God and life at our Theology Pub (at Pitfire Pizza) on Thurs, Aug 3 at
7pm. Give the church office a call and schedule a time when we can meet. Or
email me at revchamie@mac.com. Or swing by the church office on a Wednesday
late afternoon, maybe on your way home after work. Or knock on my door on a
Thursday morning anytime 7:00 AM or later; I will make you a cup of tea.
God has woven our lives together for this season of NOHO’s story. I am struck by
NOHO’s rich history. I could pinch myself at the wonder of having my office door
open into the amazingly beautiful sanctuary which was built decades ago. I believe
in NOHO’s future. in a time when there is so much divisiveness, so much hurt and
pain in the world, so much loneliness and lostness, I believe the church is called to
be a saving grace. I pray that together we both find for ourselves and bear witness
to others the harmony, healing, community, purpose, hope, and love we find in
Jesus Christ.
In 2 Corinthians 6:11-13 (MSG Translation), Paul makes a plea to the church in
Corinth. I say these words to you, substituting “Corinth” with “NOHO:”
“Dear, dear NOHO First UMC Family, I can’t tell you how much I long for you to enter this
wide-open, spacious life… I’m speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up
your lives. Live openly and expansively!”
May we live wide open lives that love God and love others. I can’t wait to meet
you!
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Chamie
(reminder… my name rhymes with “Jamie” but has a “ch” sound at the beginning
as in “church”)
2. July 2 “Jesus, the Rock” Eph. 2:19-22 | Matt. 16:13-18
The cornerstone of NOHO First says “1949.” The cornerstone of our faith, though, resides in the love
and grace of Jesus Christ.
July 9 “Living by the Fruit”
“Civil discourse” isn’t always civil, but there is a way that we are called to live as Christians. How might we
“bear fruit?”
July 16 “Making Room on the Boat” Acts 10:9-16 | Matt. 7:3-5
There is a beautiful song called “No Outsiders.” There are no outsiders to Jesus’ love; there is room on the
boat for everyone. The boat rules: eyes on Jesus, treat each by the fruits of the Spirit, and find room on the
boat.
July 23 “Practicing Forgiveness & Grace” Eph. 2:4-10 | Luke 23:39-43
Forgiveness is easier said than done. And grace? What exactly is that and how do we live it? Might for-
giveness and grace be important keys to a life well lived?
July 30 “Believing in Abundance vs. Scarcity” Matthew 14:13-21
We tend to have a “scarcity” mindset, thinking we don’t have enough, fearing so many “what ifs.” But
what if we started to view things through the lens of abundance?
HIGHLIGHTS OF ONLINE WORSHIP
We share on YouTube @nohofirstUMC
Piano & Vocals - Michael McKenzie Organ - Roger Eshleman Scripture Reader - Jesse Boone
Moment with Children - Patty Kelsey
June 4 - Pentecost
June 11 - Finish the Race
June 18 - Living Water
June 25 - Special Moment with Daniella
Online Juneteenth Moment
Daniella Lake
Gal. 5:13-26 | John 15:4-8
Pastor Christian’s Sermon Series: Take The Red Pill
Sermon Titles and Scripture
June 4 - God Speaks Your Language | Acts 2:1-8
June 11 - Jesus is our Significance Coach | Hebrews 11:1-12:3
June 18 - The Woman at the Well | John 4:7-30
June 25 - You Are Already “The One”| Esther 4:13-17
Summer Series:
Building a Firm Foundation
It is a new season and a new pastor, but
the same God of yesterday, today, and
tomorrow. How do we build a firm
foundation?
This summer, we will reflect on the
bedrocks of an abundant life so we can
be strong individually as well as a
community of believers.
3. Sunday, July 2nd
Join us for a morning of celebrations!
Welcome Pastor Chamie Delkeskamp!
Red, White, & Blue BBQ in the Courtyard!
10:30 Worship
11:30 Picnic in the Courtyard
Lunch is on us! Be sure to attend!
Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander
Heritage Luau
Saturday, July 29th
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Fountain Courtyard
Continuing our celebration of AAPI!
Dress in your tropical duds, enjoy themed
food, beverage & beautiful entertainment!
RSVP
We all scream for ICE CREAM!
Mark your calendars for a fun
SUNSET SOCIAL
Wednesday, July 19th
7:00 PM
Courtyard Patio
Get to know our new Pastor!
Enjoy a frozen sweet treat!
4. CAMPUS MAINTENANCE UPDATE
By Muffett Brinkman
As many of you know for the last two Sundays of June, we all have been cramming into Boyer Chapel
while our beautiful, but 74-year-old Sanctuary, Social Hall, and Church office has been getting a new
roof. DM Brothers Renovations have been working quickly to get the roofs done in between school
sessions and in time for the arrival of our new Pastor. It has been a huge job and sadly not a cheap job.
The board actually began the re-roofing project during the pandemic in the summer of 2020. Over the
past 3 years we have re-roofed the Community Room Building, Lounge Building, One of the Classroom
Buildings, and now the Sanctuary, Social Hall, and Church Office. But there are still more buildings
left on our campus to reroof not to mention other projects around the Church. That is why your
financial giving is so important. Without donations to the General Fund, we are unable to keep a roof
over our heads and lights on to do the important mission work that we do. So please to remember to give
generously to the General Fund.
5. North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry Celebrates 40th Anniversary
By Lynn Yoshizumi
The North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry is celebrating its 40th anniversary of distributing food to
hungry people in North Hollywood. As part of the celebration, a Gala was held at First Christian
Church on Sunday afternoon, June 4. More than 125 people were there; Shirley Kurushima and Lynn
Yoshizumi represented NoHo FUMC. We were treated to delicious hors d’oeuvres and square cookies
with the NHIFP logo on them or round ones with “40” on them. We were treated to an on-going slide
show of pictures taken over the years at the Pantry. We saw a couple of pictures of Wendy Welch when
she was helping with distribution on Friday mornings and one of our former pastor, Steve Peralta, who
served as a member of the Board of Directors, formed when the Pantry received 501(c) 3 non-profit
status. There was also an array of items to bid on in a silent auction.
It is about 3 times the size of the small 2-room area that First Christian Church provided for the Pantry.
The distribution is done on a drive-by basis. The driver simply joins the line of cars at the curb in front
of the building. There are tables on the sidewalk and a volunteer gives either a cooking bag or a non-
cooking bag to the driver. There are also items on the tables that the driver may ask for, such as pet food
and diapers for babies/small children as well as for adults.
For quite a while, the Pantry was distributing about 150 bags of non-perishable food each Monday and
Friday. The number is increasing now as there is more demand due to changes in SNAP program. The
added space was badly needed.
Phil Lasker, director of the Pantry, and Louise Sloan-
Gobin, president of the Board of Directors, addressed
the audience along with Councilman Krekorian (D2),
who presented the Pantry a certificate of recognition
from the City of Los Angeles.
Kristina Walker, the daughter of Terry Walker, was
present. The Pantry received approximately $500,000
from the Walker Trust last fall. The new distribution
center has been named in honor and memory of Terry
Walker.
The highlight for us was a tour through the Pantry’s
new distribution site which is at 11634 Moorpark Street,
Studio City. The building was formerly Dee’s Florist
that provided flowers for our church for many years.
When the owner retired, the building became available
to be the Pantry distribution site.
FOOD
NEEDS
THIS
MONTH
6. Norman Kelsey carried on traditions and recognized
the 40 graduates at the Wesley School ceremony on
June 8th. Twenty students attended The Wesley School
since kindergarten! One, was our very own, Henry
Mottaz! Congratulations to the class of 2023!
7. Pastor Christian, Pastor Chamie, Patty & Norman Kelsey, Muffett Brinkman, & Ken Ellis, attended the
39th Annual Conference from June 14-17, held at the Sheraton Gateway LAX!
The Annual Conference is composed of 330 churches and missions in southern California, Hawaii, and
the Pacific Islands. Laity and Clergy gather to be in conexion together, to worship together, and do the
work of the church together. NOHO First UMC delegates were: Muffett Brinkman & Patty Kelsey.
Norman Kelsey served as the alternate. Ken Ellis was part of the audio/visual team.
It was wonderful to spend time with our past interim, Rev. Allison Mark, and introduce her to our current
interim, Pastor Christian Washington, and get to know our new pastor, Chamie Delkeskamp!
8. Juneteenth Celebration
We were uplifted by a fantastic Juneteenth
celebration, Many thanks to Pastor
Christian Washington, special guest singer,
Sandra Benton, as well as, Morenike &
Daniella Lake, Shaun & Libeck Vieten, &
Norman Kelsey.
The menu was delicious: Fried chicken, red
beans & rice, plantains, watermelon, &
Hawaiian Punch! Thank you to the Lakes
& Sherri Perry!
We learned more about the holiday during
worship with a special moment by Daniella
Lake. Catch the presentation on our
Youtube channel!
9. Pastor Christian had his
last worship service with
us on Sunday, June 25th
with a moving sermon
and wonderful
acknowledgment.
After worship, we
enjoyed Porto’s pastries
and steel drum on a
sublime Sunday.
Thank you to everyone
who contributed to the
farewell gift.
10. Wishing you many blessings on your birthday!
Love, Your Church Family
*If we missed your birthday, please contact us nohofumc@pacbell.net
July 1 Alexander Parnell
July 2 September Sucher
July 4 Betty Hogarth
July 5 Joyce Cunningham
July 9 Heemanshu Bhagat
July 9 Byron Hayes
July 12 Steven Ellis
July 13 Sage Doelitzsch
July 13 Lynne Poyaoan
July 23 DeAnne Hayes
July 28 Kevin Ellis
July 28 Roger Eshleman
July 28 Gary Solt
July 31 David Cox
Ralph Seybold fell and broke his hip last
month. He is now in hospice care.
Please send her well
wishes on this
momentous occasion!
Betty Hogarth
13772 Palace Drive
Tustin, CA 92780
Betty
Hogarth
• Tonya Peat had a
successful procedure to
remove Basal Cell
Carcinoma from her
temple!
• Mychal Guyton had an endoscopic procedure to check on how his
ducts and arteries were looking.
• Becky Settlemeyer is having heart problems and is recuperating.
• Liberty Bhagat’s sister fell ill and passed away suddenly in Manila.
• Alfredo Garcia is undergoing chemotherapy for colon cancer.
• Dani St. Clair requests prayers of healing and strength for her uncle,
Bill Steinmeyer, who is being treated for cancer.
• DeAnne Hayes is in an Alzheimer Care Center. Byron has missed her.
11. LECTIONARY READINGS FOR JULY | Year A
July 2 Fifth Sunday After Pentecost. Independence Sunday. Green.
Genesis 22:1-14; Psalm 13; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:40-42
July 9 Sixth Sunday After Pentecost. Green.
Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67; Ps. 45:10-17; Romans 7:15-25a; Matt. 11:16-19, 25-30
July 16 Seventh Sunday After Pentecost. Green.
Genesis 25:19-34; Psalm 119:105-112; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
July 23 Eighth Sunday After Pentecost. Green.
Genesis 28:10-19a; Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24; Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
July 30 Ninth Sunday After Pentecost. Green.
Genesis 29:15-28; Psalm 105:1-11, 45b; Romans 8:26-39; Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Two ways to worship with us: In-person or Online
We post our worship service on YouTube @nohofirstumc every Saturday
Communion will be served, in-person, on July 2nd.
Please have your articles for the Good News to the church office by July 17th for the August 2023 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
“NoHoFUMC is a community that practices the all-inclusive and transforming love of God as modeled by
the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. We celebrate our diversity in race, ethnicity, marital status, sexual
orientation, gender identity, age, gender, ability, citizenship, and socioeconomic status. Moved by the Holy
Spirit, we welcome all people into the full participation of the life of the church.”