The document provides information about events and activities at the First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood for the month of December. It discusses the church's 21st annual Christmas tree lot fundraiser, Christmas Eve worship services on December 24th, an Advent bible study series, and other holiday events like a chili cook-off and UMW boutique. The pastor's letter encourages participation in Advent activities and sharing the Christmas story with the community.

1. First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood
GOOD NEWS
e-mail: nohofumc@pacbell.net
DECEMBER 2018
facebook.com/nohofumc1 www.nohofumc.org
IN THIS ISSUE:
• 21st Annual Tree Lot
• Christmas Eve Worship
• The Journey
• Poinsettia Orders
• Altar Flowers 2019
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
Senior Pastor
Rev. Steven F. Peralta
Congregation
Ministers
Jeff Thomas
Director of Music
Roger Eshleman
Organist
Nylean Rapinac
Administrator
Patty Kelsey
Director, Program Ministries
Tonya Peat
Director, Outreach Ministries
My Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I have no doubt that if I asked you to tell me the Story of Christmas; you
could do so with a fair amount of accuracy. We all know the story…in
fact; it is so well-known that even people who have never attended church
can tell the story of Jesus’ birth. The story is all around us and all-too
familiar. It is so familiar and we are so focused on the baby or on Mary
that we miss details in the story. We forget that these were real people
living in real situations. We forget that there is political intrigue happening
in the story. We forget that much of the drama endured by the Holy
Family was caused by taxation.
We forget so much of what makes this story real and relevant to you and
me as we live our lives in the world today. As a result, we miss out on the
deeper mystery of how the light of God is revealed in the world and in our
everyday lives.
This Advent season, we will be taking a journey: a journey which will lead
us from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Along the way we encounter good,
common people of great faith, through whom God works. We will discuss
three little towns and the role they played in the birth of Christ. Along the
way we will ask what each of these persons can teach us about serving God
and fulfilling God’s purposes.
Every Sunday at worship; every Thursday night the Advent Study, and of
course, on Christmas Eve; we will journey together to welcome the Christ
child yet again. I know Christmas can be a busy time, but I hope that you
will carve out space among the social gatherings and working in the
Christmas tree lot to focus on the spiritual nature of this Holy Season.
We have a story to tell. We have light to share. We have been placed in the
middle of a neighborhood that needs to hear the story yet again. After a
season of mass shootings, catastrophic wildfires, and the everyday
challenge of making ends meet, we need to hear again that God’s light
shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. I am ready to
tell it. I am ready to invite people in and I hope that you are too.
I am also looking forward to experiencing all of the NoHo FUMC Advent
and Christmas traditions (yes, I am signed up to work many shifts at the
Tree Lot!). I pray that this will be a season filled with meaning and good
cheer.
Happy Advent!
Pastor Steve

2. ADVENT SERMON SERIES
THE JOURNEY: WALKING THE ROAD TO BETHLEHEM
We will follow along with Adam Hamilton’s Advent Study, “The Journey.”
Join us as we travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem in this fascinating look at the birth of Jesus.
December 2 The Journey: Mary of Nazareth Luke 1:26-38
December 9 The Journey: Joseph of Bethlehem
December 16 The Journey: Cousin Elizabeth Luke 1:39-56
December 23 The Journey: Nazareth to Bethlehem Luke 2:1-5
December 24 The Journey: The Manger
HIGHLIGHTS OF WORSHIP
November 4th - Today was All Saint’s Day. Pastor Steve began his Sermon Series: Signs today. His
sermon, “The Very Basics,” was bassed on Matthew 12:28-34. We remembered the Saints of our church
that we lost this year, during Communion. We also had monthly announcements with Norman Kelsey &
Phillip Mottaz.
November 11th - We celebrated Community Day this morning with a wonderful service! Our Church,
The Wesley School, Boy Scout Troop 18, Synchronicity Handbells and NOHO FUMC, joined together
in celebration of our Community. Troop 18 presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance. The
Synchronicity Handbells shared a special performance of “Bells.” We were delighted with songs from
The Wesley School Kindergarten & 4th Grade students, accompanied by Mrs. Mary MacGregor & Eddy
Faulkner; Our Chancel Choir sang Hallelujah. Pastor Steve’s message, “Understanding Generosity,” was
based on Mark 12:38-44. Worship was followed by a lovely reception in the Social Hall catered by
Harvest Moon. Everyone enjoyed treats and shopping at the UMW Holiday Boutique tables and a
number of families and friends gathered to make 215 sack lunches for the Food Pantry. What a blessing
to be a part of such a special community!
November 18th - On this Thanksgiving Sunday we enjoyed a lovely worship. Pastor Steve’s sermon,
“Preparing for the Big One,” was based on Mark 13:1-8, and Jesus is asking us in this passage to put our
faith in far more than just our stuff. To live our life as God intended for us.
November 21st - NOHO FUMC hosted the 34th Annual Interfaith Food Pantry Thanksgiving Eve
Worship Service in our Main Sanctuary. We gathered with a number of other faiths to celebrate
community, gratitude, and ways we have come together to help others in need. The Synchronicity Bells
shared special music. and even Assemblyman Adrin Nazarian made an appearance to support the Food
Pantry.
November 25th - Today was Christ The King Sunday, marking the end of our church calendar year.
Patty Kelsey shared a moment with children about UM Student Sunday. Norman Kelsey sat in the Pulpit
for Pastor Steve and shared a message based on Phillippians 2:1-11, titled, “What Kind of King?”
Special Music was shared by Libeck Kadu and Sherri Perry, who sang, Power in the Blood.
Matthew 1:18-24
Luke 2:1-20
7:00 PM
11:00 PM

3. Monday, December 24th
Two Services Available
7:00 PM - Family Service
Featuring Children’s Message,
Chancel Choir & Special Music
11:00 PM
Featuring Lessons, Carols,
Communion & Candlelight.
Main Sanctuary
Children’s Christmas Pageant
featuring our Sunday School Children
Sunday, January 6th
During 10:30 AM Worship
In the Main Sanctuary
If you would like your child to participate,
contact Tonya Peat and have your child meet in
the Sanctuary following worship for rehearsal.
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
11:00 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?
Monday, December 24th - CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
7:00 PM - Family Service
Featuring Children’s Message, Chancel Choir & Special Music
11:00 PM - Candle Light Service
Featuring Lessons, Carols, Communion & Candlelight
Sunday, December 9th -Chili Cook Off! Bring
your best crock pot of chili! Taste test & vote!
Sunday, December 23rd - Walk to the
Manger at the end of 10:30 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.
ADVENT BIBLE STUDY
Thursdays in December
7:00 PM
Lounge
Pastor Steve will guide us as we
follow along with Adam
Hamilton’s Advent Study,
“The Journey.”
Join us as we travel from Nazareth
to Bethlehem in this fascinating
look at the birth of Jesus..
Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays in December
Our 21st Annual Christmas Tree Lot is open for business!
Fridays: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM Saturdays: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Sundays: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
We need tree handlers, greeters, & dinner providers.
Sign up at church or online. (Check your weekly email update for link)
Sunday, December 9th - Mission Sunday!
Bring peanut butter, chili, tuna, & dry cereal for the
food pantry and a few extra dollars for the blue
mission envelopes. Brown paper grocery bags too!
Sunday,
December 16th
Following Worship
Come to our Pop-up
Shop in the Lounge!
Santa may make an
appearance!
Sunday,
December 9th
Following worship
Lounge
Bring your most delicious pot of
Chili to church! Everyone will taste
test and vote for their favorite.
Winner gets a small
Christmas Tree!
Wednesday, December 12th - UMW Holiday
Luncheon. Noon. $3 Donation. Lunch & Holiday
Program. Social Hall.
Thursday, December 20th - PB & J Project.
10:00 AM. Lounge. Come make 150 Sandwiches for
the homeless that receive assistance from NHIFP.
Sunday, December 16th - UMW Boutique
Pop-Up Shop during coffee fellowship!
Friday, December 14th- Christmas Tea
Fellowship at the home of Hannah Sack. Come
see her decorations and enjoy a spot of tea. Carpool
due to limited parking. Tea is at 11:30 am.
Thursday, December 13th - Ruth Circle meets
at the home of Myriel Tyree at 7:30 PM.
Monday, December 17th - Tabitha Circle
meets in Hand in Hand at 10:30 AM.

5. NOHOFUMC 21st ANNUAL TREELOT
THE CHRISTMAS TREE WITH A HEART
See there’s a tree that will provide a homeless person with a carekit or homeless family with a hot meal.
Another that will provide a sick hospitalized 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 are how the Mission Teams supports great
organizations like Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission, Discovery Arts, International Justice Mission, and
many other great organizations.
Unfortunately, the trees can’t sell and load themselves onto cars. That is where we desperately need you.
We have positions for all skill levels, from just being a friendly face that says, “Welcome,” to the
opportunity to build some real muscles moving trees.
To sign-up please visit our signup genius page at www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0e4da8ae2ea6f49-noho
You can also access the signup genius page via our website www.nohofumc.org You will find the sign up
link under the Missions Tab.
Sign up today for a Tree Lot shift because without you there is no Heart.
TREE LOT HOURS
FRIDAYS
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
SATURDAYS
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
SUNDAYS
11:30 PM - 9:00 PM
HOW TO VOLUNTEER ON THE LOT
1. In person on Sundays
2. Email Roger at reshleman@aol.com
3. Online at www.nohofumc.org
You can volunteer for the following:
GREETERS
TREE HANDLERS
CASHIERS
PROVIDE LUNCHES OR DINNERS
By Muffett Brinkman
It’s that time of year again. It is Tree Lot time!
Did you know our treelot has very special trees that no other lot in the area has?

6. The arrangements will now be arranged by the florist and come in a paper mache floral pot that
you will be able to take home, with the arrangement intact, following worship. Each arrangement
will be $30 - this will include an announcement in the bulletin for the Sunday selected. We will
also be able to take more than one dedication every Sunday. On the Second Sunday of
December, Dee’s Flowers will create a sample of the new arrangement for our chancel, so you
can see what you will be ordering.
To order flowers for the chancel, fill out the order form below and place in the offering plate or
drop it in the church office mail slot. If you have a specific color or flower request, this can be
made through Dee’s Flowers 818-769-3000 or deesflowers1945@gmail.com
Beginning, January 2019, there will be a change with
our Altar Flower pricing and arrangements.
You may not have known that Wendy Ince has been
arranging flowers for the chancel for many years. She
has earned a much needed break so that she can focus
on her job. Thank you, Wendy, we are so appreciative
that you shared your gifts with us for so long.
Today’s Date: _________________________
Name(s): __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Daytime Phone: ____________________________________________
Email: ____________________________________________________
All dates are available in 2019 currently.
Dates Requested: ___________________________________________
Floral Dedication:
(Please check one of the following and write the specifics of your dedication in the
space provided below)
In Honor of ___________________________________________
In Celebration of _______________________________________
In Memory of _________________________________________
Check enclosed for arrangement ($30). Checks made payable to FUMC.

7. We are officially launching our new web site nohofumc.org please make a note of it, as our old
site will be discontinued soon and will not be updated. If you forget and go to the old site there is
a button you can use to take you to the new site for an easier transition. I’m sure you will love the
new web site. I created it with a platform called WordPress and it’s much more professional
looking and translates seamlessly to your mobile device. We still have many of the old features like
online giving, “Pastor Steve’s message for the week” video, upcoming sermon titles
and a news blog that I will be updating regularly. The Events Calendar is a great resource to
see quickly what’s happening @NoHoFUMC for the month. The current months online version
of the Good News can be accessed thru a button posted in the News blog feed at the beginning
of each month. The link to sign up for the Christmas Tree Lot is also in the News blog feed.
If you would like to be in the know make sure and subscribe to the new web site at the bottom of
the Welcome page. It is really easy to subscribe, just enter your email address and then confirm
your email and you’re set. Our social media icons are at the bottom of the Welcome page on the
left and I encourage you to take time to check out what’s new on our social media sites, like our
posts and tag the church in your posts . Don’t forget to shop thru our AmazonSmile link for all
your holiday shopping, because a % of each sale will be donated back to the church. Have a
wonderful Holiday Season.
FROM THE DIGITAL OUTREACH DESK
By Tonya Peat
READING PROGRAM READERS
Please turn in your Books Read List to Lynn Yoshizumi no
later than the UMW General Luncheon and Meeting,
Wednesday, December 12.

8. 215 SACK LUNCHES DELIVERED TO FOOD PANTRY
We had a wonderful Community Day this year, that included so many different groups from our
community! Boy Scout Troop 18 presented the colors, The Sychronicity Bells and Wesley School
(Kindergarten & 4th grade) shared special music. Mrs. Mary MacGregor & Eddy Faulkner
accompanied the Wesley Students during their performances. Following worship we enjoyed a time
of shopping, eating, and fellowship in the Social Hall. Out in the School Courtyard, everyone
jumped in to make 215 sack lunches for the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry. Many thanks
to Rosemary Alacantar for organizing the mission project with Patty Kelsey.
We won’t forget the nightmare of the Woolsey Fire soon. A quick drive up the 101 give us flame-scoured
reminders of the fires burning through neighborhoods. However, we have an opportunity to do some
good and help the community recover.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has established an initial presence at the Agoura
Disaster Assistance Center at the Hilton Foundation on 30440 Agoura Road. They need people to be
present at the table between the hours of 1:00 - 8:00PM and offer United Methodist services to those in
need of help (things like sifters, gas cards, N95 masks, tyvek suits, Luci lights, hygiene kits, and resources
for documents restoration). To sign up, contact Don Howald at DNHowald@hotmail.com.
I am sure we will have opportunities in the near future to do actual rebuild work, but for now, this is the
greatest immediate service we can offer. May we embody this season of grace, hope, peace and light in
someone else’s darkness. >>>living program, which has developed real-life training experiences.
We are very grateful to those who have supported this mission. You can still get involved and volunteer at St. Jude
by signing up online contacting Veronic Huening (702) 294-7145.
The Wesley Kids with 215 Sack Lunches
WOOLSEY FIRE RESPONSE
From Pastor Steve

9. A few ladies from NOHO FUMC
signed up for the Drumstick Dash
and early on Thanksgiving
Morning, walked a 5K to support
Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission!
Thanks to Muffett Brinkman for
organizing the outing.
5K and 10K
routes began
inside CBS
Radford Studios
and went into
Studio City!
With Ken Craft, Director of HOTVRM
Starting Line inside CBS Radford

10. Wishing you a birthday that is merry and bright!
Love, Your Church Family
December 5 Anita McChesney
December 6 Helen Wirth
December 7 Ralph Seybold
December 10 Doug Eboch
December 11 Myriel Tyree
December 16 Pastor Steve
December 17 Cary Noren
December 18 Jeff Thomas
December 20 Genelita Ancheta
December 20 Clive Melville
December 21 James St. John
December 24 Tracey Radillo
December 25 Jesus
December 31 Nancy Kien
• Prayers for the firefighters and first responders and to those that lost their lives and homes.
• Prayers for the victims and families affected by gun violence.
• Please continue to lift up Deanne, David, Michael, Cherry, Eli, Daniel and the entire Cox family.
• Uma Tokahuta received results from her yearly physical and needs prayers for good health.
• Jeff Thomas had a successful epidural procedure and the doctor’s determined that the numbness in his
legs and feet were created from spinal issues.
• Bill Varney is continuing his physical therapy and keeping a positive attitude.
• Tracy Hagan needs continued prayer of peace as she continues to live with adenoid cancer.
• Teri Geiger passed away after many years living with lung cancer.
• Jessica Mesa continues to heal after her liver transplant.
• Ralph Seybold is still bothered by his neck, but continues to stay active despite the discomfort.
• Nicole Mijares, 31, is in palliative care after being diagnosed with neuro-endocrine CA.
• David Vail is living with metastatic bladder cancer.
• Charley Menendez, 21, is waiting for a liver transplant.
• Scott Kaefek has inoperable stage 4 melanoma.
• Donna Stewart suffered strokes with blood clots in her brain and is in critical condition.
• Continue to lift up Puerto Rico, the rest of the United States, our leaders and the world.
• Eric Anderson has pancreatic cancer.
• Call to prayer for the victims of wildfires.
• Call to prayer for the Tree of Life victims and families.
• Call to prayer for Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Flint, Michigan.
• Prayers for the detained at the Border and those being attacked with tear gas and rubber bullets as they
try to seek saftety.
You can send your joys and concerns in a variety of ways:
1. Contact the church office at (818) 763-8231 or nohofumc@pacbell.net
2. Drop a note in the offering plate on Sunday
3. Let us know if this is a private prayer, for the prayer chain only,
or if it can be shared with the congregation.

11. OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORSHIP
December 2 First Sunday of Advent. Purple or Blue.
Jer. 33:14-16; Ps. 25:1-10 (UMH 756); 1 Thess. 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36
December 9 Second Sunday of Advent. Purple or Blue.
Mal. 3:1-4; Luke 1:68-79 (UMH 208); Phil. 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6
December 16 Third Sunday of Advent. Purple, Blue, or Pink.
Zeph. 3:14-20; Isa. 12:2-6; Phil. 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18
December 23 Fourth Sunday of Advent. Purple or Blue.
Mic. 5:2-5a; Ps. 80:1-7; Heb. 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45, (46-55)
December 24 Christmas Eve. Peace. White or Gold.
Isaiah 9:2-7; Ps. 96 (UMH 815), Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-20
December 30 First Sunday After Christmas. White or Gold.
1 Sam. 2:18-20; Ps. 148 (UMH 861); Col. 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52
Sunday Worship Services at 10:30 AM in the Main Sanctuary
Children’s Sunday School meets at 10:30 AM in the Community Room/Nursery
Adult Sunday School meets on the 2nd, 4th & 5th Sundays at 9:00 AM in Boyer Chapel
Children’s Message every Sunday 10:30 worship service and Christmas Eve 7:00 PM
Communion will be celebrated on December 2nd at 8:15 & 10:30 AM worship service,
and Sunday, December 24th - 11:00 PM Christmas Eve.
8:15 AM Worship Services in Boyer Chapel
December 2 - Pastor Steve December 9 - Norman Kelsey
December 16 - Patty Kelsey December 23 - Sandra Smith December 31st - Sandra Smith
Please have your articles for the Good News to the church office by December 17th for the January 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